Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to implement a ban on vehicle parking in the New Road area starting this Tuesday.

However, the announcement has triggered resistance from local shopkeepers, who argue that the ban will adversely impact their businesses.

Shopkeepers in the affected zones have staged protests by closing their shops.

Chief of KMC Municipal Police, Rajunath Pandey, announced the prohibition, specifying that parking would be restricted in areas encompassing Dharmapath, Indrachowk, Khichapokhari, Mahaboudha, and around Bir Hospital.

The initiative follows a similar parking ban previously enforced in the Jhonche area.

KMC has devised an alternative plan by offering free parking facilities at Kathmandu Tower.

Pandey disclosed that Kathmandu Tower can accommodate 300 four-wheelers and 700 two-wheelers.