KATHMANDU: Economic Digest presents a brief yet comprehensive roundup of major business developments in Nepal, delivered in clear and accessible summaries.
The devastating Bhote Koshi and Trishuli floods have caused widespread disruption across Nepal, affecting infrastructure, tourism, energy, communications and emergency services. The floods damaged 19 bridges and around 40 kilometers of roads, while 12 power facilities with a combined capacity of 431.1 MW were affected in Rasuwa.
Fourteen employees of the Rasuwa Customs Office remain unaccounted for, while the Nepal Tourism Board has identified 384 travelers, including 291 foreign nationals, as missing. In response, the government has intensified search and rescue operations and called on helicopter and drone operators to assist affected communities. Nepal Telecom and Ncell have introduced free communication services in five flood-hit districts, while the World Health Organization is providing medicines, medical equipment and emergency tents.
The disaster has also affected financial markets, with the Nepal Stock Exchange falling 35.92 points as flood-hit hydropower stocks faced heavy selling. Meanwhile, gold prices declined marginally while silver prices increased. Beyond the immediate crisis, economic indicators show mixed developments. Mahendranagar’s Inland Revenue Office collected Rs 2.319 billion in fiscal year 2025/26, while Siraha Customs collected Rs 149.4 million.
Tourism through Gaddachauki has also continued to grow, highlighting Sudurpashchim Province’s potential despite persistent infrastructure and promotional challenges.
NEPSE falls 35.92 points as flood-hit hydropower stocks plunge
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index dropped 35.92 points to close at 2,558.35 on Wednesday, with hydropower stocks from flood-affected areas coming under intense selling pressure. Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Company hit the negative circuit limit after losing 15 percent. Molung Khola Hydropower Company fell 14.99 percent, while Trishuli Hydropower Company declined 12.95 percent. Madhya Mewa Khola Hydropower and Sanjen Hydropower Company dropped 11.56 percent and 11.18 percent, respectively. Despite the market downturn, trading activity increased. Shares worth Rs 4.773 billion changed hands on Wednesday, up from Rs 4.109 billion the previous day. Sarbottam Paints was among the exceptions, reaching the positive circuit limit.
Gold falls Rs 100 per tola, silver rises Rs 75
The price of gold declined by Rs 100 per tola (11.66 grams) in Nepal’s domestic market on Wednesday, while silver became Rs 75 more expensive, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Gold is being traded at Rs 322,100 per tola, down from Rs 322,200 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the price of silver has increased to Rs 4,975 per tola from Rs 4,900 a day earlier. The latest movement reflects contrasting trends in the domestic precious metals market, with gold recording a marginal decline while silver posted a comparatively larger increase.
Nepal Telecom, Ncell offer free services in five flood-hit districts
Nepal Telecom has announced free communication services for people affected by the Bhote Koshi floods in Rasuwa and surrounding districts. Affected users in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan will receive 50 free SMS messages and 2 GB of mobile data each day for two days, according to Nepal Telecom. Meanwhile, Ncell has announced free voice, SMS and data services for three days for people affected by the disaster. In a separate measure to support search, rescue and relief operations, Nepal Oil Corporation has sent a tanker carrying aviation fuel from Kathmandu to Trishuli in Nuwakot. The fuel will be used to refuel helicopters involved in rescue operations. The measures are intended to maintain communication and facilitate emergency response efforts in the affected districts.
14 Rasuwa Customs employees remain unaccounted for
Fourteen employees of the Rasuwa Customs Office remain out of contact following the devastating floods in the district, according to government officials. The Ministry of Finance said 25 of the 36 permanent employees, including Chief Customs Administrator Rajendra Dhungana, have been contacted. Eleven permanent employees and three contract workers remain unaccounted for. Search and rescue operations are underway to locate the missing employees. The floods have also caused extensive damage to the Timure Area Police Office, Syabrubesi Police Post, Rasuwagadhi and Mailung Police Office. Authorities are continuing search, rescue and coordination efforts across the affected areas.
Govt urges helicopter operators to support flood rescue
The government has called on helicopter and drone operators to assist ongoing search and rescue operations in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan, which were affected by flooding in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers on Wednesday. The government has asked organizations including the Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) and Nepal Drone Association to coordinate with district administration offices, security agencies and local governments to support rescue operations. Authorities have also urged people waiting to be rescued to make themselves visible to rescue teams by lighting fires or producing smoke. Those requiring helicopter evacuation have been advised to contact the assistant chief district officer in their respective districts. The government said coordinated rescue efforts are continuing across the flood-affected areas.
Trishuli floods damage 19 key bridges and 40 km of roads
Severe flooding in the Trishuli River has caused significant damage to transport infrastructure, destroying 19 motorable bridges and damaging around 40 kilometers of road along the river corridor. The Department of Roads has mobilized heavy machinery, engineering equipment and technical teams to clear debris and begin restoring damaged roads and bridges. However, the scale of the damage, particularly to bridge foundations, and continuing adverse weather have made immediate restoration difficult. Authorities have urged travelers to exercise caution and check the latest road conditions before traveling through the affected mountainous areas.
NTB identifies 384 travelers missing after Bhote Koshi flash flood
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has identified 384 travelers as missing following Wednesday morning’s flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa. The preliminary list, compiled from information provided by 10 travel agencies, includes 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. Indian nationals make up the largest group, with 105 people listed as missing. The list also includes travelers from Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Of those listed, 37 are non-resident Indians. Authorities and tourism agencies are continuing efforts to verify the whereabouts and safety of those affected. People seeking information or assistance can contact the NTB’s emergency numbers 1234 and 1144, or the Tourist Police at 9851289445.
WHO sends emergency medical supplies for Rasuwa flood victims
The World Health Organization (WHO) is sending essential medicines and medical equipment to people affected by the Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa. According to the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, WHO will provide basic medical supplies sufficient for around 1,000 people, along with 15 emergency tents, each covering 24 square meters, following discussions with Minister Nisha Mehta. The ministry has reserved 100 emergency beds at Bir Hospital and the Trauma Centre in Kathmandu for flood victims. Three injured people have already been rescued and brought to Kathmandu for treatment. The ministry has also deployed three doctors and two nurses from the Trauma Centre, along with an ambulance equipped with essential medical supplies. It is coordinating with the Nepal Red Cross, Nepal Scouts and the health ministries of the affected provinces to strengthen emergency medical services. People seeking emergency health information, assistance or coordination can contact 1115.
Mahendranagar revenue office collects Rs 2.319 billion
The Inland Revenue Office in Mahendranagar collected Rs 2.319 billion in revenue during the fiscal year 2025/26, achieving 77 percent of its annual target. The collection included Rs 1 billion in income tax, Rs 515.8 million in value-added tax and Rs 801.5 million in excise duty. During the year, 1,400 new businesses were registered with the tax system, while 9,965 individuals obtained permanent account numbers. The office also conducted 23 taxpayer education programs to improve tax compliance. Authorities said efforts to encourage taxpayers to collect and issue bills also contributed to an improvement in tax-related compliance across the district.
Siraha customs office collects Rs 149.4 million
The Siraha Customs Office in Madar collected Rs 149.4 million in revenue during the fiscal year 2025/26, achieving 83 percent of its target of Rs 180.6 million. In the previous fiscal year, the office had exceeded its target, collecting Rs 148.3 million, or 122 percent of the target. Officials attributed the improvement in revenue administration to increased market monitoring, stronger anti-smuggling measures and more accurate valuation of imported goods. However, the lack of a dedicated quarantine facility remains a major challenge. Officials said the absence of such a facility has affected the inspection and clearance of agricultural and food products entering Nepal through the border.
Rasuwa floods affect 12 power plants with 431.1 MW capacity
The recent floods in Rasuwa have affected 12 hydropower and energy facilities with a combined installed capacity of 431.1 MW, according to updated information from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Seven facilities have been directly affected: the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, 22 MW Chilime Hydropower Project, 20 MW Langtang project, 60 MW Upper Trishuli 3A, 24 MW Trishuli, 14 MW Devighat and the 25 MW NEA Solar project. Of these, Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, Upper Trishuli 3A, Trishuli, Devighat and NEA Solar are NEA-related facilities, while Langtang is an independent power producer (IPP) project. The other affected facilities are Salasungi (Sanjen), with 78 MW capacity; Upper Sanjen, 14.8 MW; Sanjen, 42.5 MW; Upper Mailung, 14.8 MW; and Mailung, 5 MW. The floods have also damaged transmission and distribution infrastructure, disrupting electricity services in parts of the affected region. The NEA said restoration efforts are underway.
Gaddachauki records steady rise in foreign tourist arrivals
The number of foreign tourists entering Nepal through the Gaddachauki border point in Kanchanpur has increased steadily in recent years. During the fiscal year 2025/26, 1,753 foreign tourists entered Nepal through the border checkpoint, generating Rs 10.5 million in revenue. Meanwhile, 1,534 tourists exited through the same point. Annual arrivals have increased from 542 in 2022 to 983 in 2023 and 1,154 in 2024. Despite Sudurpashchim Province’s considerable tourism potential, inadequate infrastructure and limited promotional activities have led many visitors to bypass the region in favor of major urban destinations. Local stakeholders have called for the establishment of dedicated tourism information centers to provide visitors with information and promote destinations across the province.
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