Kathmandu's Cable Cleanup Delayed Despite Government Deadline

Kathmandu's major market areas continue to be affected by tangled telephone, internet, and electricity cables despite repeated government directives to organize them. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), which had planned to complete cable management along six major routes by Shrawan 15, has acknowledged delays and now expects the work to be completed by the end of Shrawan. The cable clutter, caused by unplanned infrastructure expansion, poor coordination among service providers, outdated and unused wires, limited pole capacity, and the lack of underground utility systems, continues to pose risks of electric shocks, fires, and accidents while also making maintenance and repairs more difficult. The authority has also noted that service providers have yet to comply with instructions to tag their cables for easier identification, contributing to service disruptions in areas including Nayabazar, Swayambhu, Baneshwor, Tripureshwor, Kalimati, Kalanki, Jadibuti, Pepsi Cola, Gongabu, Kirtipur, Gaushala, and Chabahil.