Kalinchowk Darshan Limited has announced that the Kalinchowk Cable Car will resume operations from Monday, September 22, 2025 (2082 Ashwin 6) after completing repairs and safety checks on one of its systems damaged during a vandalism incident.
According to the company, the incident took place on Bhadra 24, 2082 (September 9, 2025) at around 9:00 p.m., when a group of unruly individuals forcefully entered the cable car office premises. The attackers damaged physical structures including cable car equipment, vehicles, and office buildings, causing significant disruption to the facility’s operations.
Impact on Systems and Services
Kalinchowk Darshan Limited reported that of the two operational systems of the cable car, one system was completely destroyed due to the incident. The other system, though affected, was not fully damaged and was subjected to immediate inspection, repair, and security assessments by technical teams.
After conducting thorough maintenance and safety checks, the company confirmed that this operational system is now ready for service and will be reinstated from September 22, 2025 (Ashwin 6, 2082). This means that visitors and pilgrims heading towards Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, one of Nepal’s most popular religious and tourism destinations, will once again be able to use the cable car service.
Assurance of Safety and Security
Kalinchowk Darshan Limited emphasized that the safety of passengers remains its top priority. The company has carried out extensive technical evaluations to ensure that the reinstated system meets all safety standards. Additional security measures have also been implemented to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.
“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our valued visitors and devotees due to the temporary disruption,” the company stated. “Our technical and management teams have worked tirelessly to restore operations at the earliest possible date.”
Significance of the Cable Car
The Kalinchowk Cable Car is a crucial infrastructure project that supports both religious tourism and local economic growth in Dolakha. It provides pilgrims, tourists, and locals with easy access to the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, significantly reducing the time and physical effort required for the uphill journey.
Since its establishment, the cable car has played a vital role in attracting domestic and international visitors, thereby supporting businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transport services in the region. The temporary closure had raised concerns about potential economic setbacks for the local community.
Call for Responsible Tourism and Protection of Infrastructure
The recent incident of vandalism has sparked discussions about the importance of protecting public infrastructure that serves not only local residents but also thousands of tourists and devotees each year. Kalinchowk Darshan Limited urged all stakeholders, including visitors and community members, to work together to safeguard such assets.
“Public infrastructure like the Kalinchowk Cable Car is built for the benefit of all,” the company emphasized. “Any damage to it directly affects tourism, livelihoods, and the broader community. We call for collective responsibility in preserving it.”
Looking Ahead
With the resumption of operations on September 22, the company expects a gradual return to normalcy. However, with only one system currently functional, service capacity may be somewhat reduced compared to full operations. Kalinchowk Darshan Limited has assured that efforts will continue to restore the completely damaged system in the near future, though it may take additional time and resources.
The reopening is timely, especially as the upcoming festival season in Nepal typically sees a surge in visitors to religious destinations like Kalinchowk. The company hopes that the reinstated cable car services will enable devotees and tourists to visit conveniently and safely.
The announcement of the reopening of the Kalinchowk Cable Car from September 22, 2025, brings relief to pilgrims, travelers, and local businesses alike. Despite the challenges posed by the vandalism incident, Kalinchowk Darshan Limited’s swift action in restoring one system demonstrates resilience and commitment to service. The company’s focus now remains on enhancing security, restoring full operations, and ensuring that visitors continue to experience the convenience and safety of Nepal’s vital cable car infrastructure.
