Lalitpur Metropolitan City has started a major plan to make Patan Durbar Square a vehicle-free zone. The new campaign, called ‘Patan Paila Pailai’ (meaning ‘Patan Step by Step’). It aims to reduce traffic, protect the heritage structures, and make the narrow street safer for pedestrians, including tourists. The city is applying the rules in phases, with trial restrictions already underway.
The first phase focuses on narrow heritage lanes surrounding the Square, including Mamadu Galli; the stretch from Gaurishankar Temple to Olkhu Ganesh Temple; the route from Bhimsensthan Temple to Swotha Narayan Temple; and the corridor linking Swotha Chowk to Kyalkhu Chowk.
Vehicle entry in these areas is restricted on several trial dates: November 29, December 3, and December 6 from 1 pm to 6 pm; and on December 10 and December 13 from 8 am to 6 pm.
The second phase expands the zone further. The restricted routes include: Tichhu Galli, Mangalbazar Chowk to Chakra Bahil Chowk. The trial restrictions for Phase II are scheduled as follows: December 20, December 24, and December 27 from 1 pm to 6 pm; and December 31 and January 3 from 8 am to 7 pm.
A separate notice has also introduced one-way movements from 5 am to 9 pm around streets connecting Mahapal, Dhumbahal, Chyasal, and Lagankhel. Entry toward the four corners of Mangalbazar has been stopped completely, and vehicles from Ishwarlal Chowk or Tinglachhi must either avoid the area or exit through Ishwarlal.
However, ambulances, fire engines, and police vehicles are allowed to move without restriction. The city has clarified that essential services will not be blocked at any stage of the trial.
The Metropolitan City says these changes are designed to understand public response and make gradual adjustments before declaring the area permanently vehicle-free. Officials believe the plan will reduce congestion and protect the heritage monuments that face constant pressure from traffic and vibration.
