सञ्चालनको पर्खाइमा नेपालगन्ज सिटी हल
BANKE, September 29
The state-of-the-art City Hall (Nagar Sabhahal) in Nepalgunj, constructed at a substantial financial investment, continues to sit idle while awaiting formal operation.
Located in Bhawaniyapur, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City–14, the fully-equipped facility was built by the Federal Government and formally inaugurated on February 24, 2025 (Falgun 13, 2081 BS). However, it has failed to become operational to date.
Constructed at a total cost of Rs 333,475,370, the City Hall was expected to stimulate the local economy once opened. Its non-operational status has led to widespread disappointment among local residents.
Omkar Mishra, former Ward Chairperson of Nepalgunj–14, noted that while daily events at the venue would naturally boost local economic activity, the hall currently wears a deserted look due to complete inactivity. He emphasized that the Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, which holds management responsibility, must take special initiative to fix affordable rental rates to facilitate its operation. Mishra expressed dismay that the 795-seat capacity hall remains unused.
Echoing similar concerns, Krishna Prasad Shrestha, former President of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the local government must take proactive measures for the long-term operation of the infrastructure built with significant public funds. “Major government functions are being hosted in private hotels while a state-owned City Hall remains locked,” Shrestha said. “The sub-metropolitan leadership urgently needs to prioritize bringing this hall into operation.”
The Nepalgunj City Hall features a main auditorium alongside four smaller halls, administrative offices, parking facilities, and related infrastructure. Although completed with the aim of facilitating large-scale events in Nepalgunj, that objective remains unfulfilled.
Pramod Rijal, spokesperson for Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, attributed the inactivity to the facility’s distance from the main city center. He informed that since its inauguration, the venue has only hosted two municipal assembly meetings and two political party events.
“We issued a tender call to hand over the management and operation of the City Hall, but likely due to its location, no proposals were submitted,” spokesperson Rijal explained. “Currently, the municipality has assigned personnel to oversee and safeguard the building. Because it is located away from the city center, event organizers have been hesitant. As of now, staff are merely guarding the property.”
