The Maulakalika Cable Car, which had been closed due to vandalism and arson during the Gen-Z protests on Bhadra 24, has resumed operations. The cable car had remained shut for two months due to the damage caused.
According to Suraj Paudel, Station Manager of Maulakalika Cable Car Ltd., a successful technical test was conducted on Sunday evening. He said that if no issues arise during the ongoing tests, the cable car will reopen to the public within a few days.
The cable car, which began operations last year targeting visitors to the historic and religious Maulakalika Temple in Gaindakot–1, was severely damaged during the protests. “The lower station suffered damage due to arson and vandalism,” Paudel said. “A special technical team from the Austrian company that installed the system conducted a week-long inspection and testing.”
After identifying issues in the damaged equipment, necessary repairs and maintenance were completed. Following internal checks, all systems were found to be stable, paving the way for public operation soon. “The entire system has been confirmed technically safe,” Paudel said. “After final inspection and testing, the cable car will operate at full capacity.”
Chairman of Maulakalika Cable Car Ltd. and FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal said the destruction caused multimillion-rupee losses. Due to the shutdown, the number of visitors to Maulakalika Temple had also declined.
Shalikram Sapkota, Chair of the Maulakalika Temple Religious Service Committee, said temple footfall had dropped significantly during the closure. “During regular operation of the cable car, we used to see large numbers of devotees,” he said. “This year, the number was unusually low during Dashain.”
With the cable car set to resume operations, the number of devotees is expected to rise again. The temple also attracts nature lovers, especially in winter when visitors enjoy views of fog-covered markets, sunrise, and the scenic mountains of Tanahun and Gorkha, including glimpses of the Himalayas.
Located at an altitude of 561 meters above sea level, the Maulakalika Temple lies about five kilometers northwest of Narayanghat Bazaar.
