KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Here’s a concise update on key market movements, policy developments, and financial trends shaping the economy:

Kathmandu Exodus: Over Half a Million Leave Valley as Dashain Begins:
As Dashain celebrations commence, more than 550,000 people have departed Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley, creating a massive festival exodus. The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police reported that from Ghatasthapana until Monday morning, 553,261 passengers left the capital, while around 252,755 returned. Peak movements between September 27–28 alone saw 111,639 departures in 18,613 vehicles. To manage the surge, additional traffic personnel were deployed at border crossings and parking zones, said SSP Navaraj Adhikari. The figures underscore the scale of Nepal’s largest festival migration, reflecting both cultural devotion and the logistical challenges of ensuring smooth transit for hundreds of thousands heading home.

EV Imports Plunge Nearly 70% in First Two Months of FY 2025/26:
Nepal’s import of electric vehicles (EVs) has dropped sharply in the first two months of the current fiscal year. Only 486 four-wheel EVs — cars, jeeps, and vans — were brought in, a decline of nearly 70% compared to 1,600 units during the same period last year. Imports totaled Rs. 1.27 billion, down from Rs. 3.81 billion last year. Alongside, 1,108 three-wheel EVs worth Rs. 125 million entered the market. Most imports came from China and India. Last fiscal year, Nepal imported a record 13,569 EVs worth Rs. 31.75 billion.

NEA’s Push for Trunkline Dues Sparks Industrial Row in Rupandehi:
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has reignited a dispute with Rupandehi industries by issuing a 21-day ultimatum to settle controversial “dedicated” and “trunkline” electricity charges. Industrialists argue they never used trunkline supply and allege the NEA is retroactively penalizing them despite timely regular payments. The issue gained momentum after Energy Minister Kulman Ghising prioritized recovery of these dues. Twenty-one industries, employing over 7,000 workers, face potential closure if forced to pay. Companies say NEA failed to provide “Time-of-Day” meter data to verify claims and plan to challenge the charges in court, calling them politically motivated.

Dashain Remains Out of Reach for Banara’s Landless Families:
While most Nepali households celebrate Dashain with food, new clothes, and festivities, 28 landless squatter families in Banara Camp, Kanchanpur, struggle for survival. Living in tarpaulin huts along the Banara riverbank, they cannot afford even two meals a day. With the young away in India for work, only the elderly, women, and children remain, facing hunger, sickness, and sleepless nights under bridges. Despite repeated appeals, local authorities and the Land Problems Settlement Commission have failed to address their decades-long demands for land and housing. For Banara’s families, Dashain brings only hardship instead of joy.

Insurance Emerges as Key Shield Amid Nepal’s Economic Shocks:
Nepal’s economy has faced severe setbacks from natural disasters, political unrest, and pandemics, highlighting the urgent need for financial preparedness. Recent civil unrest caused billions in damages, yet insured private firms successfully claimed payouts. As of mid-September, 18 insurance companies reported claims worth NPR 23.39 billion, predominantly in Bagmati Province. The government has now decided to insure public assets, previously uninsured, following extensive losses. Experts emphasize that insurance not only safeguards individuals and businesses but also strengthens national economic resilience. With 53% of Nepalis still uninsured, expanding coverage remains critical for future stability.

A New Generation of Entrepreneurs Goes Global:
Nepal’s startup scene is entering a transformative phase, with homegrown ventures attracting global investors and reshaping industries. Adex International’s $2.4 million acquisition by a US firm, VEDA’s Rs 60 million deal on Shark Tank Nepal, and Nepal Tea Collective’s global reach highlight this shift. Beyond fintech giants like eSewa and Khalti, a new wave of innovators—from climate-tech firm VaayuDrishti to edtech leader VEDA—are solving local problems with global ambitions. The Covid-19 crisis tested resilience, but shows like Shark Tank Nepal have reignited entrepreneurial energy, proving Nepali youth are building businesses capable of competing far beyond home.

Record-Breaking Autumn on Manaslu as Climbers Flock to Nepal’s Peaks:
Nepal’s autumn climbing season is off to a record-breaking start, with 374 climbers from 31 groups permitted to scale Mount Manaslu (8,163m) and several already reaching the summit. In total, 667 climbers from 67 countries have permits for 36 mountains, generating over Rs. 182 million in royalties — the highest autumn collection to date, with Rs. 150 million from Manaslu alone. This season has also seen history-making feats: 16-year-old Nima Chhiring Sherpa became the youngest to summit Manaslu, while an 86-year-old Spaniard also reached the peak, marking an extraordinary chapter in Nepal’s mountaineering story.

Local Goats Drive Dashain Market in Saptari:
As Dashain approaches, demand for locally raised goats and bucks has surged in Saptari district, with Rajbiraj’s market bustling daily. Farmers are personally bringing livestock reared at home, a tradition that peaks during the festival. Goat markets, usually held twice a week, now operate daily until Ashtami, catering to high demand for sacrificial offerings at temples like Chhinnamasta, Rajdevi, Bhagwati, and Kankalini. Local buyers overwhelmingly prefer community-raised animals. Farmers are seeing significant earnings—Asha Devi Yadav of Rajbiraj earned nearly Rs. 90,000 this year by selling seven animals. Many expect income of Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 100,000 during Dashain.

Three Nepali Films Release on Phulpati Amid Dashain Festivities:
Breaking tradition, three Nepali films—Balidan, Maitighar, and Hari Bahadurko Jutta—were released on Phulpati Monday instead of the usual Friday slot, marking the Dashain holiday. Maitighar, produced by Rohit Adhikari and directed by Milan Tamang, and Dipendra K. Khanal’s Hari Bahadurko Jutta both received Universal certification, making them suitable for all audiences. Santosh Sen’s Balidan, however, was rated PG. The films feature leading actors including Haribansha Acharya, Saugat Malla, Upasana Singh Thakuri, and Reecha Sharma. Multiplexes scheduled screenings from early morning to midnight, with Balidan securing the highest number of shows. Cast members visited theaters to meet fans.