Following the government’s decision to allow free public access to Dharahara, a landmark in the federal capital, a large number of people gathered to visit the iconic tower today. The initiative was introduced in celebration of Constitution Day, and public entry will remain free until a formal entry fee is established.
This marks the reopening of Dharahara after nine years, following its collapse during the Gorkha earthquake of 2072 BS. The Department of Urban Development and Building Construction reported that on the first day, the tower saw an overwhelming response, with around 2,500 visitors by the afternoon, far exceeding the daily capacity of 600 visitors initially planned for free access.
Koshnath Adhikari, Chief of the Central-Level Project Implementation Unit under the Department, mentioned that despite the arrangement for limited entry, the crowd continued to grow, with long queues still forming to ascend Dharahara. The public was allowed entry until 3:30 PM, and the tower was closed at 4:30 PM. Adhikari added that the free entry is a temporary arrangement, and the entry fee will be fixed soon.
Dharahara’s reconstruction began on September 30, 2018, under the National Reconstruction Authority, and the newly rebuilt tower was inaugurated by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on April 24, 2021. In addition, the Central-Level Project Implementation Unit has launched an online portal, dharahara.com.gov.np, for visitors to book future visits to the historic site.
The reopening of Dharahara symbolizes resilience and renewal, and the overwhelming public turnout highlights its cultural and historical significance.
