Government Sets Deadline to Clear Overhead Utility Wires

The government has launched a renewed initiative to systematically manage the tangled electricity, telecommunications, and internet cables that have cluttered the Kathmandu Valley for years. A high-level meeting held on Wednesday in the presence of Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Dr. Bikram Timilsina agreed to accelerate the cable management campaign through a coordinated action plan involving all relevant agencies. Representatives from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Nepal Telecom, Ncell, and the Internet Service Providers' Association of Nepal (ISPAN) attended the meeting. The government decided to clearly define responsibilities, implement pilot projects in selected areas, and ensure visible progress within a set timeframe. Minister Shrestha said the government is focused on finding a long-term solution rather than creating difficulties for service providers, adding that agreements with operators could be reviewed if necessary. He also noted that the government is positive about establishing a dedicated telecommunications infrastructure company. Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina said previous directives had not been effectively implemented and instructed authorities to immediately remove unused cables while strengthening the regulatory role of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. According to officials, cable management work is currently underway along six priority routes, including the Old Baneshwor–Gaushala–Chabahil corridor. While the NEA has removed many unnecessary wires, it said identifying the ownership of remaining cables has been challenging, as old cables are often left hanging after new ones are installed. Meanwhile, ISPAN emphasized the need for cooperation and cable tagging, while Nepal Telecom pledged to double the pace of work within a month by deploying additional manpower. The government said the campaign will be treated not only as a cleanup effort but also as a long-term initiative to improve urban aesthetics, public safety, and telecommunications infrastructure.