PressAdda
Kathmandu — Visitors at Ratnapark, also known as Shankhadhar Udyan, will soon be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi while basking in the winter sun. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has begun installing Nepal Telecom’s high-speed routers to provide free internet service across the park.
The Greenery Promotion Project under KMC is installing six Nepal Telecom routers with a capacity of 500 Mbps. According to technician Suresh Kumar Shrestha, the service will be fully operational within Mangsir, enabling all visitors entering the park to use free internet.
Once known as a chaotic footpath area, Ratnapark was rebuilt in FY 2072/73 at a cost of around Rs 8 million. Its improved environment now draws 500 to 1,000 visitors daily—elderly people enjoying the sunshine, students playing, and youths capturing photos.
Entrance fees are set at Rs 20 for students, Rs 30 for the general public, and Rs 100 for SAARC and foreign tourists. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and single women are exempt from entry fees.
The park currently generates Rs 5 million to Rs 10 million annually. From Shrawan to Kartik this year alone, it collected more than Rs 1.8 million in revenue.
Ratnapark features sculptures of Shankhadhar and Padmaratna Tuladhar, seating areas, public toilets, and green spaces. However, the park faces water shortages for plant maintenance, and plans are underway to operate a new fountain soon.
