NEPALGUNJ: The newly constructed city hall in Nepalgunj remains non-operational long after its inauguration. Located in Bhawaniyapur, Nepalgunj-14, the state-of-the-art facility was built with federal government funding at a cost of Rs 333.47 million and was inaugurated on Feb. 25, 2025.
Local residents have expressed disappointment as the facility, which has a seating capacity of 795, remains empty. Omkar Mishra, former ward chair of Nepalgunj-14, noted that the building is deserted and urged the sub-metropolitan city to prioritize its operation by offering subsidized rates.
Krishna Prasad Shrestha, former president of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, criticized the situation, stating that while government programs are frequently hosted in private hotels, the public city hall remains shut.
The facility includes a main hall, four smaller halls, administrative offices, and parking infrastructure. Pramod Rijal, spokesperson for the Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, stated that the hall has only hosted two municipal assemblies and two political events since its completion.
The local government previously invited tenders for the management of the hall, but received no proposals. Currently, municipal staff are tasked with guarding the building. Rijal attributed the lack of activity to the building’s distance from the city center.
