Beginning this week, Ratna Park—Kathmandu’s iconic landmark—will be offering free Wi-fi facility for its visitors. It will be the first public space in the Valley to provide such services.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) had a successful trial run of the Wi-fi system on the park premises on Friday. From this week on, visitors can now enjoy unlimited free internet services during the opening hours from 8am to 5 pm, announced Harisharan KC, unit chief of Ratna Park and Ranipokhari at KMC Environment Division.
He said the KMC had installed a powerful router which guarantees a strong Wi-fi signal anywhere inside the 42-ropani park compound.
The new addition is expected to attract more visitors to the park. “Time has changed, we can’t imagine our life without internet. Visitors can access the net while spending time here,” says Rabin Man Shrestha, chief of KMC’s Environment Division. He believes the Wi-fi facility installed in the park at the cost of Rs300,000 will be helpful for people from all walks of life.
Meanwhile, the KMC is building a new café in the park, which is expected to increase the number of daily visitors from the current 800. As 25 percent of the visitors are students, free Wi-fi facility will attract more students, KC said.
The visitors can access the net by logging in a Wi-fi password printed on the entry ticket which is priced at Rs 25 for adults and Rs 15 for students. Entry is free for elderly, differently-abled and children under five.
“The visitor will get a Wi-fi password on the purchase of a ticket. But we will be changing the password each day to avoid misuse,” said Shrestha.
The Kathmandu’s historic park has undergone a major transformation since its reconstruction five months ago. The KMC has invested Rs8 million on the park, giving it a new face with the addition of greenery and paving side walk. The metropolis expects to collect around Rs4.5 million annually and the proceeds will go to the KMC tax department. A dozen workers have been employed for its regular maintenance and security surveillance.
Anup Ojha is a reporter for The Kathmandu Post primarily covering social issues, crime, and human interest stories since 2011. Before moving to the social beat, Ojha covered arts and culture for the Post for four years.
.jpg)
29.12°C Kathmandu
