KATHMANDU: Economic Digest presents a brief yet comprehensive roundup of major business developments in Nepal, delivered in clear and accessible summaries.
The reports highlight Nepal’s economic opportunities alongside persistent infrastructure and mobility challenges. Damage to the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road underscores the vulnerability of critical transport links to extreme weather, with reconstruction requiring billions of rupees and more resilient engineering. Meanwhile, rising tourism revenue in the Annapurna Conservation Area demonstrates the potential of natural and cultural attractions to generate government income and support conservation.
Jumla’s expanding apple trade similarly illustrates agriculture’s contribution to rural livelihoods, although market access and storage remain important. Nepal Police’s temporary free bus service addresses festive transport shortages, highlighting the need for reliable, affordable public transportation beyond emergency arrangements.
Damage to Beni-Jomsom-Korala road estimated at nearly Rs 1 billion
Damage to infrastructure along the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road is estimated at nearly Rs 1 billion. According to the Beni-Jomsom-Korala Road Project, an additional budget of Rs 3 billion to Rs 4 billion will be required to restore the road damaged by landslides, floods and erosion along the Kaligandaki River following heavy rainfall from September 24 to 27. Project chief Tejashwi Sharma said the Kaligandaki River had swept away or destroyed sections of the road at 10 locations, while landslides had caused damage at 50 locations. “Although the road, which initially suffered damage estimated at Rs 80 million to Rs 90 million, was reopened within two weeks following preliminary repairs, we estimate that an additional Rs 3 billion to Rs 4 billion will be needed to restore it to its original condition,” Sharma said. He added that, besides controlling landslides and river erosion, reconstruction work in the Myagdi section would need to follow the design specifications for asphalt pavement, replacing the previously used double bituminous surface treatment (DBST).
Millions collected in revenue from tourists visiting restricted areas
The government collected Rs 216.9975 million in entry fees from foreign tourists visiting restricted areas within Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area in the last fiscal year, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Project chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya said 1,855 foreign tourists obtained 10-day permits to visit Upper Mustang, paying USD 500 each, while 2,569 visitors purchased one-day permits for USD 50 each. Similarly, 1,338 tourists visited the Nar Phu area of Manang with seven-day permits costing USD 100 per person. The permits are issued through immigration offices, and the revenue is deposited into the federal government’s treasury. Revenue from restricted-area tourism reached Rs 301.752 million in fiscal year 2081/82, compared with Rs 238.966 million in 2080/81. Upper Mustang and Nar Phu, which border Tibet, are popular trekking destinations. Meanwhile, ACAP collected Rs 677.591 million in entry fees from foreign tourists visiting areas outside the restricted zones during the last fiscal year. Visitors from South Asian countries pay Rs 1,000, while tourists from other countries pay Rs 3,000, including VAT. In fiscal year 2082/83, the conservation area welcomed 508,476 foreign tourists, including 384,145 from South Asia and 124,331 from other countries. Indian visitors accounted for 375,797 arrivals. ACAP’s entry-fee revenue increased to Rs 464.881 million in 2081/82 from Rs 389.461 million in 2080/81. The project uses revenue from entry fees and other sources to support conservation and tourism promotion.
Jumla exports 7,330 tonnes of apples this season
Jumla has exported approximately 7,330 metric tonnes of apples to other districts so far this season, according to the District Agriculture Development Office. Office Chief Ram Bhakta Adhikari said the district produced around 19,500 metric tonnes of apples this year, generating an estimated turnover of Rs. 550 million. Farmers are currently selling apples directly from their orchards at a minimum rate of Rs. 75 per kilogram. In Banjarabala, located in Tatopani Rural Municipality-6, a collective apple farm covering 7,140 ropanis has produced 34 metric tonnes of apples. The farm alone has sold apples worth Rs. 3 million, Adhikari said. Apple farming currently covers approximately 4,605 hectares, equivalent to 92,080 ropanis, across the district. The office aims to expand the cultivation area by another 108 hectares, or 2,160 ropanis, during the current fiscal year. Fuji apples are cultivated on 52 hectares in Jumla, although production this year was recorded on 49 hectares. Other varieties grown and marketed in the district include Red Delicious, Royal Delicious, Golden, Richa Red, Jonathan and Spore.
Nepal Police launches free bus service on three routes
Nepal Police has launched a free bus service on three routes in Kathmandu Valley to ease travel difficulties caused by a shortage of public transport during the Bada Dashain festival. The service will operate on October 20 and 21. On Monday, the buses began operating at 4 pm. On Wednesday, services will run at 8 am and 3:30 pm. Route 1: The bus will depart from Naxal and return to the same location via Baluwatar, Teaching Hospital, Chakrapath, New Bus Park, Balaju, Swayambhu, Kalanki, Balkhu, Satdobato, Lagankhel, Jawalakhel, Thapathali, Maitighar, Putalisadak, Krishna Pauroti and Jayanepal Hall. Route 2: The bus will depart from Naxal and return via Ratnapark, Baneshwor, Koteshwor, Sallaghari, Suryabinayak Chowk, Koteshwor, the airport, Gaushala, Chabahil, Sukedhara, Chakrapath, Teaching Hospital and Baluwatar. Route 3: The bus will depart from Naxal and return via Sohrakhutte, Balaju Chowk, New Bus Park, Narayan Gopal Chowk, Chakrapath, Sukedhara, Gaushala, the airport, Koteshwor, Satdobato, Ekantakuna, Balkhu, Kalanki, New Bus Park, Chakrapath and Maharajgunj.