Vendors Fear Losing Business as KMC Reduces Morning Market Hours

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s (KMC) decision to cut the operating hours of vegetable vendors at the Indra Chowk–Ason area has affected both sellers and buyers.

Until recently, vendors were allowed to sell until 8 AM, but the city now limits trading to 7 AM.

Durga Shrestha of Sinamangal, who often visits the area on his morning walk, said: “I could pick fresh vegetables at the morning market in Ason and not have to go all the way to Kalimati. But now, by the time I reach the area, the market is almost over, and I can’t shop properly.”

On Friday morning, August 16, the market remained lively despite the rain, but vendors said the fear of city police has already disrupted their business.

Sunita Tamang, who arrives from Kalimati as early as 4 AM with vegetables to sell in Ason, said: “The city police now arrive just when we start getting more buyers.”

Some locals accuse Mayor Balen Shah’s administration of failing to provide a proper location for morning markets while also restricting operating hours.

Ram Maharjan, a resident, said it had earlier been easier to buy vegetables both in the morning and evening. “But it is not that convenient these days,” he added.