KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Get quick updates on major market movements, policy shifts, and financial developments shaping the economy of Nepal. Here are the key economic highlights for today:

Birgunj Customs Collects Rs 3.15 Billion Despite Importer Boycott

Despite a three-day boycott by importers and exporters over the mandatory Maximum Retail Price (MRP) implementation, the Birgunj Customs Office collected Rs 3.15 billion in revenue. The collection was primarily driven by the clearance of petroleum products, industrial raw materials, and perishable goods like fruits and vegetables. Daily records show Rs 350 million collected on April 28, followed by a surge to Rs 1.90 billion on April 29 and Rs 900 million on April 30. While general traders have refused to participate in the clearance process since April 28 to protest the new government policy, the high value of fuel imports ensured the national treasury continued to receive significant funds during the standoff.

Mechi Customs Exceeds Monthly Revenue Target by 94%

The Mechi Customs Office collected Rs 13.144 billion in revenue by mid-April of the current fiscal year 2025/26. This amount represents 69.83 percent of the total annual target, which is set at Rs 18.877 billion. In the month of Chaitra alone, the office collected Rs 1.606 billion, achieving 94.69 percent of the monthly goal. Monthly statistics show peak collections in Falgun at Rs 1.65 billion and Poush at Rs 1.58 billion. The office noted steady progress across all nine months, with the lowest collection recorded in the first month of the current fiscal year at Rs 1.26 billion.

Rs 17 Billion Narayangadh-Butwal Road Eastern Section Linked by Paving

The Narayangadh-Butwal Road Extension Project has achieved a major milestone with the completion of one-way concrete paving at the Daunne section. This 4-kilometer stretch was previously a major bottleneck causing traffic jams during rains. With this completion, the entire 65-kilometer eastern section is now connected by either blacktopped or concrete roads. The road, which began construction in the fiscal year 2019/20 under a contract with China State Construction Engineering Corporation, is being built with an Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan. The total cost for both sections of the 113-kilometer project is approximately Rs 17 billion. While the eastern section will be fully open for smooth travel within 14 days, work on the western section’s concrete paving is still ongoing.

Tanahu Hydropower Project Reaches 75% Completion

The 140 MW Tanahu Hydropower Project in Rishing Rural Municipality has achieved 75 percent overall physical progress. The project is divided into three packages: headworks, the powerhouse, and a transmission line. Package 1, which involves the 140-meter-high dam, has reached 57 percent completion, with concrete pouring currently underway. Package 2, including the underground powerhouse and tunnels, stands at 76 percent progress. Meanwhile, Package 3, a 33-kilometer 220 kV transmission line to Bharatpur, is 77 percent complete with 78 out of 94 towers already founded. The total project cost is estimated at USD 505 million, funded by the ADB (USD 150 million), JICA (USD 184 million), EIB (USD 85 million), and the Government of Nepal (USD 86 million).

Construction Starts on Rs 426 Million Myagdi Corridor Transmission Line

Work has begun on the 132 kV Myagdi Corridor Transmission Line, a 16.48-kilometer project designed to link three hydropower plants to the national grid. The line will connect Jeltung in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality to the Dandakhet substation in Malika Rural Municipality. With an estimated cost of Rs 426.2 million, the project will evacuate 164.75 MW of electricity produced by the Myagdikhole, Upper Myagdi, and Upper Myagdi Hydropower projects. The infrastructure will include 57 towers and occupy 30.39 hectares of land. To mitigate environmental and social impacts, the project has allocated Rs 4.1 million for environmental protection and Rs 2.1 million for community support. The transmission line is expected to be completed within eight months.

3 Concrete Bridges Completed in Kathekhola for Rs 120 Million

Kathekhola Rural Municipality in Baglung has ensured year-round road connectivity across all its wards following the completion of three concrete bridges costing Rs 120 million. The final project, the Dudiaghat Bridge linking Bhimapokhara and Tagram, was completed at a cost of Rs 36.2 million. This 20-meter-long bridge allows for uninterrupted travel to Tarakhola even during the monsoon. Previously, the Gandaki Province Government funded a 30-meter bridge at Lamabagar for Rs 33.1 million and a 25-meter bridge at Eklekhet for Rs 50 million. These infrastructure improvements represent a significant shift for the rural municipality, moving focus from basic connectivity to road upgrading now that essential river crossings are secured.

1,720 Drivers Fined; Rs 858,000 Revenue Collected in 24 Hours

Traffic police penalized 1,720 drivers for various violations across the Kathmandu Valley in the last 24 hours, collecting Rs 858,000 in revenue. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, the actions included fines for 136 cases of driving under the influence, 124 for unauthorized ride-sharing, and 175 for speeding. Additionally, 206 drivers were booked for lane discipline violations, 92 for sidewalk parking, and 28 for using horns in prohibited zones. The data also revealed 20 violations related to improper passenger pickup and drop-off points, while 1,810 individuals were penalized for other general traffic offenses. The intensified daily monitoring aims to improve road safety and maintain discipline in the capital’s busy streets.

Honey Hunting Season Begins in Magsaysay’s High-Altitude Cliffs

Honey hunting season has officially commenced in the high-altitude cliffs of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Raghuganga rural municipalities in Myagdi. Yesterday, a 15-member team extracted approximately 70 liters of wild honey from cliffs near Khoriya. The practice involves hunters hanging from traditional rope ladders, known as “Parang,” to harvest honeycombs from the steep hills. This wild cliff honey is highly sought after for its health benefits and religious significance, retailing for Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 per liter. The harvest follows the seasons, starting in the lower valleys during spring and moving to the high-altitude peaks by June. Despite the rich taste and high demand, the extraction process remains extremely dangerous, requiring smoke to disperse the wild bees before the main hunter can use specialized tools to cut the honeycombs.

Local Unit Distributes Nutrition Grants to 76 New Mothers

Hupsekot Rural Municipality in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Purba) has provided nutrition grants to 76 new mothers during the current fiscal year. Under the Postpartum Care Nutrition Expense Program, each mother received Rs 5,000 to support their health and the nutrition of their newborns. To qualify for this financial aid, residents must provide proof of four prenatal checkups, institutional delivery at a health facility, and the timely birth registration of the child. The program aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates while encouraging the use of formal health services. Local officials noted that this initiative not only provides immediate financial relief but also ensures the long-term well-being of children through early administrative documentation and regular medical monitoring.

Preparations Finalized for South Asia Trade Fair 2026

Preparations are in the final stages for the ‘South Asia Trade Fair 2026,’ scheduled to take place at the Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall from May 7 to 11. Organized by Introduction Trade Shows Nepal in collaboration with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Industries, the event will feature participants from all SAARC nations. The fair aims to revitalize the local economy and strengthen regional trade ties, with over 150 exhibitors showcasing electronics, garments, handicrafts, and agricultural products. Organizers expect nearly 100,000 local visitors and 5,000 international delegates. Supported by various chambers of commerce and the governments of Bhutan and Bangladesh, the expo will serve as a platform for buyer-seller meets, food festivals, and market potential studies to boost regional exports.