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:

Government Plans 50-Year Master Plan for Long-Term Urban Development in Kathmandu Valley:
The government is preparing a 50-year master plan for the sustainable urban development of Kathmandu Valley. Announcing the initiative during the 650th week of the Bagmati Clean-Up Campaign, Minister Kulman Ghising said the plan will integrate infrastructure development—including sewage, electricity, water supply, roads, waste management, and treatment centers—while accounting for projected population growth and urban expansion. He emphasized the need for joint federal, provincial, and local efforts, alongside substantial investment, for river and drain purification. The Bagmati Clean-Up Campaign has inspired state planning, while the Rights-Based Bagmati Civilization Committee has proposed prioritizing sewage and processing management. Implementation is projected to cost around Rs 225 billion.

NEPSE Surges by 96 Points as Investor Optimism Grows on Political Stability Hopes:
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rose by 96.53 points, or 3.86 percent, last week amid investor optimism over expected political stability. The index opened at 2,503.85 on Sunday and closed at 2,600.38 on Thursday, with total turnover reaching Rs 20.20 billion—up from an average of Rs 2.79 to Rs 5.05 billion daily. All 13 trading groups ended in positive territory, led by hydropower (+6.34%). Himalayan Bank’s promoter shares posted the highest turnover of Rs 1.66 billion. Market capitalization increased by Rs 162 billion to Rs 4.347 trillion, while Radhi Bidyut Company’s share value rose the most (20.03%) and Taragaon Regency fell 9.55%.

Over 2,700 Tourists Stranded in Lukla and Namche as Bad Weather Grounds Flights for Three Days:
More than 2,700 tourists have been stranded in Lukla and Namche Bazaar after flights to and from the Tenzing-Hillary Airport were suspended for three consecutive days due to heavy rain, dense fog, and poor visibility. Around 1,500 tourists are stuck in Lukla and 1,200 in Namche, with hotels at full capacity. Even helicopter flights have been grounded. Some tourists are attempting to return to Kathmandu by road via Salleri, but landslides have disrupted travel. Authorities say the weather may remain unstable for two to three more days before improving, leaving stranded visitors uncertain about their return plans.

Nepal Rastra Bank Introduces Six-Month Deposit Facility to Manage Excess Liquidity in Banking System:
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced a new monetary measure to manage the growing excess liquidity in the banking system. Under the new rule, banks and financial institutions can now deposit their surplus liquidity with the central bank for up to six months. On Wednesday, NRB invited bids for Rs 40 billion in 175-day deposits, following a Rs 90 billion, 42-day deposit call earlier this month. This is the first time NRB has accepted deposits for such a long duration, previously limited to 64 days. Executive Director Dayaram Sharma said the move aims to stabilize interest rates as over Rs 700 billion remains idle in the system.

Race Heats Up for Nepal Rastra Bank Deputy Governor Posts as Terms Near Expiry:
Lobbying has intensified for the upcoming Deputy Governor appointments at Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) as the terms of current deputies Dr. Nilam Dhungana Timsina and Bam Bahadur Mishra expire in Falgun. Eighteen executive directors are vying for the two positions, which, under NRB law, must be filled from within this group. The Governor will recommend four names to the Cabinet, from which two will be appointed. With no political party currently in power, the decision largely rests with Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal and Governor Prof. Dr. Bishwanath Paudel. Unlike in previous politically influenced appointments, this selection is expected to emphasize merit, capability, and experience.

Delayed and Partial Grant Transfers Hinder Budget Implementation at Provincial and Local Levels:
The National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission’s seventh annual report reveals that mid-year reductions and partial transfers of grants from the federal government to provinces and local governments have hampered budget execution. For FY 2081/82, although NNRFC recommended Rs 60 billion for provinces and Rs 88 billion for local governments, only 91.76% and 91.74% were transferred, respectively. Some provinces, including Lumbini (99.75%) and Karnali (98.91%), also failed to fully transfer grants to local units. The report highlights a lack of data on conditional grants and noncompliance with legal procedures by some local governments when borrowing from the Municipal Development Fund.

Finance Minister Emphasizes Policy Reforms, Assures Investor Protection After Countrywide Protests:
Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal stated that the government is prioritizing policy reforms, some of which have already been experienced by the private sector. Addressing concerns over investment and investor security, he urged both domestic and foreign investors not to doubt the government’s commitment. The remarks came during a public-private dialogue organized by the Investment Board and the Nepal Industrial Federation on the impact of the nationwide Gen-Z movement on September 08–09, which caused damage to public and private property. Federation President Birendra Raj Pandey highlighted that arson, vandalism, and looting during the protests deeply distressed and worried the business community.

Heavy Rain Increases Landslide Risk on Narayangadh–Muglin and Muglin–Malekhu Roads:
The Chitwan District Administration has warned travelers of high landslide risks on the Narayangadh–Muglin and Muglin–Malekhu road sections due to continuous rainfall. Small landslides have been occurring since Thursday, making road travel dangerous. While some landslides have been cleared to resume traffic, the risk remains significant. Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal advised people to avoid non-essential travel and exercise caution if travel is unavoidable, as road closures may occur at any time. Travelers are urged to check conditions with authorities before departure, contacting the District Police Office at 9855013999 or the District Traffic Office at 9855017099 for updates.

Gold Prices Drop by Rs 2,900 per Tola as Global Market Weakens; Silver Inches Up:
Gold prices in Nepal fell by Rs 2,900 per tola this week, following global market trends. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (FENEGOSIDA), gold opened at Rs 241,900 per tola on Sunday and closed at Rs 239,000 on Friday. The price declined sharply early in the week but rebounded by Rs 2,700 on Friday. FENEGOSIDA attributed the fall to easing geopolitical tensions, improved U.S.–China trade relations, and a stronger U.S. dollar. Meanwhile, silver prices rose slightly by Rs 45 per tola, reaching Rs 3,060 by week’s end amid stable local market demand.

Electricity Line Cut Controversy: 25 Industries Shut as NRB Power Dispute Escalates:
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) cut power lines to 25 large industries, including six on the morning after Lakshmi Puja, citing unpaid dues on dedicated and trunk lines. The dispute originated during Kulman Ghising’s tenure as Managing Director, with industries contesting the legality of additional premium charges on electricity already billed and paid. The line cuts have halted operations, threatening over 25,000 jobs and causing billions in revenue losses. Critics argue that Ghising has ignored legal procedures, bypassing administrative review and enforcing disputed charges. While the core issue concerns premium electricity rates, NEA’s aggressive approach has sparked widespread economic and legal controversy.

Gorkha Leader Launches Commercial Black Turmeric Farming to Inspire Youth and Boost Local Economy:
Commercial cultivation of black turmeric has begun in Gorkha under the initiative of CPN (Unified Socialist) district chairperson Yadab Basnet. Together with Kabita Aryal, Basnet has invested Rs 5 million to establish ‘B and B Agriculture Farm’ on 25 ropanis of land in Laxmibazar, Gorkha Municipality–9. The farm planted 23,000 black turmeric saplings sourced from Dolakha. Grown organically without chemicals, the crop is valued for its medicinal benefits and rising market demand. Basnet said the project aims to create jobs, promote self-sufficiency, and set an example of combining politics with productive entrepreneurship. Local officials praised the initiative as a model for rural development.

Humla Passengers Rely on Lottery System Amid Severe Flight Shortage:
Air passengers in upper Humla have been forced to depend on a lottery system to obtain flight tickets due to a severe shortage of return flights from Kathmandu. Sita Air introduced the system after demand far exceeded available seats, with around 100 people competing for limited spots. Only a few passengers secured tickets for each flight, leaving many stranded. Locals expressed frustration over recurring flight shortages, especially after the Dashain–Tihar festivals. Sita Air officials said the lottery was the fairest option amid high demand. Currently, only a few flights by Nepal Airlines, Sita, Tara, and Summit Air operate each week.

Syangja Expects Record Orange Harvest as Weather and Market Conditions Favor Farmers:
Orange production in Syangja district is set to rise this year due to favourable weather and reduced pest infestation, according to agricultural authorities. The cultivation area has expanded from 850 hectares eight years ago to 2,350 hectares today. Last year’s output was around 19,000 metric tonnes, generating Rs 1.12 billion in revenue for farmers. With oranges ripening and demand high, traders are already visiting villages to buy the fruit. Farmers are optimistic about higher yields and better prices. Supported by federal, provincial, and local governments, orange farming has now spread across all 11 local units, becoming a key income source in Syangja.

FMTC Begins Paddy Procurement Amid Farmers’ Frustration Over Delays:
The Food Management and Trading Company (FMTC) has begun paddy procurement from its Dhangadhi Provincial Office, addressing farmers’ complaints about delays in the government’s purchase programme. Procurement is underway at six sub-centres in Kailali, with 12 quintals purchased on the first day. Only paddy meeting quality standards—such as below 18% moisture and limited foreign materials—is being accepted. FMTC plans to buy 35,000 quintals from Dhangadhi in the first phase and around 180,000 quintals nationwide from 13 centres. The government has fixed coarse paddy at Rs 3,463.81 and medium paddy at Rs 3,628.33 per quintal. Farmers without access to FMTC facilities are selling to private traders at lower prices.

Local Residents Demand Immediate Relocation of Oil Depot Amid Safety Concerns in Dhangadhi:
Residents of Dhangadhi-3 Chhatkapur are preparing pressure campaigns demanding the immediate relocation of Nepal Oil Corporation’s Far-Western Regional Depot, situated in a densely populated area. Despite a two-year-long relocation process, no results have been achieved, raising safety concerns due to large fuel tanks and frequent loading-unloading operations. Local leaders highlight risks to over 350 residents across 87 households, nearby schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings. Past incidents, including a fire in a nearby furniture factory, intensify fears. Municipal authorities, local development committees, and school officials urge the corporation to relocate the depot to a safer site to ensure community safety and normal livelihood activities.

Flights Suspended at Bharatpur, Surkhet, and Tumlingtar Airports Due to Bad Weather:
Flights from Bharatpur, Surkhet, and Tumlingtar airports have been suspended today due to adverse weather conditions. Nepal is currently affected by a western wind system and a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea. Most of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces are experiencing cloudy to mostly cloudy skies, with light to moderate rain in some areas. Scattered snowfall is possible in high-altitude regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki, and light snow in parts of Karnali. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has advised caution, as these conditions may impact daily life, agriculture, tourism, and both road and air transport.