In a move to foster stronger cooperation between local businesses and the tourism sector, the MaulaKali Cable Car and the Ratnanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) have joined hands to introduce a 20% discount on cable car rides for RCCI members. This significant partnership was formalized through an agreement signed on Tuesday, highlighting the growing synergy between economic institutions and tourism infrastructure in East Chitwan.
Formal Agreement to Promote Regional Collaboration
The agreement was signed by MaulaKali Cable Car Managing Director Suraj Paudel and RCCI President Shankar Giri amid a formal ceremony. The initiative is designed to benefit the 2,200 businesspersons affiliated with the RCCI by providing them with an accessible and discounted means to experience one of the region’s top tourist attractions.
To avail of the discount, RCCI members are required to present a valid membership ID card at the cable car station. President Giri clarified that the benefit is exclusively for the card-holding members and will not extend to their family members or associates. The chamber has committed to issuing membership cards to all registered members to facilitate smooth access to the discount.
Boosting Business Morale Through Local Incentives
The agreement is seen as a step toward creating tangible value for local entrepreneurs and strengthening community participation in the tourism economy. According to President Shankar Giri, such benefits reinforce the chamber’s commitment to offering practical incentives to its members, beyond networking and policy advocacy.
“This agreement provides a meaningful way to connect our business community with one of our region’s prime tourism destinations,” Giri stated. “While it may seem like a small gesture, the discount acknowledges the role of local entrepreneurs in supporting regional development.” He added that collaborations like this one not only motivate business owners but also enhance their sense of belonging and involvement in the broader community.
MaulaKali Cable Car: A Symbol of Regional Growth
Located in Gaindakot Municipality of Nawalpur and just across the Narayani River from Chitwan, the MaulaKali Cable Car is an iconic infrastructure project that connects the base of the hill to the revered Maula Kalika Temple. Since its inauguration, it has become a key attraction for religious tourists, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.
The temple itself holds religious and cultural significance, particularly for devotees of Goddess Kalika. The cable car makes it significantly easier for elderly pilgrims and general visitors to reach the mountaintop without the need for a strenuous uphill trek.
Managing Director Suraj Paudel emphasized that the cable car initiative aims to encourage local participation and promote inclusive tourism. “By offering this discount to RCCI members, we hope to increase local engagement and enhance the visibility of the MaulaKali Cable Car within Chitwan’s vibrant economic community,” Paudel remarked.
He further highlighted that tourism infrastructure is most effective when it is rooted in community participation and partnerships with stakeholders like local businesses.
Strengthening the Local Economy Through Tourism Partnerships
Chitwan is already recognized as one of Nepal’s top tourist hubs, home to Chitwan National Park, the Narayani River, and a variety of adventure and eco-tourism offerings. Yet, with increased infrastructure like the MaulaKali Cable Car and strategic alliances such as the one with RCCI, there is a growing effort to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are shared widely among local communities.
Tourism and commerce often exist in parallel, but agreements like this are helping to build bridges between the two sectors. Local entrepreneurs, often busy with their business activities, may not always get the opportunity to enjoy or participate in local attractions. The discount not only incentivizes them to do so but also familiarizes them with tourism products they can promote or support through their business networks.
A Model for Other Regions
The collaboration between RCCI and the MaulaKali Cable Car sets a precedent for similar partnerships in other regions of Nepal. It demonstrates how private infrastructure and local commerce chambers can work together to foster mutual benefits, stimulating local tourism while providing added value to business communities.
Both parties hinted that this may be the beginning of a broader initiative. In the near future, additional collaborations may include special packages for business groups, seasonal promotional events, or even cross-promotions with other tourist services in the area.
As Nepal’s economy continues to diversify and decentralize, particularly after federal restructuring, localized initiatives such as this hold immense promise. They highlight the importance of community-based development and the potential that lies in collaboration across sectors. For the Ratnanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the MaulaKali Cable Car, this agreement marks more than just a discount, it symbolizes a shared vision for sustainable regional prosperity.
