January 11: Hotels in Birgunj will open till midnight after ensuring safety measures. In order to revive the hotel business, which is in crisis after the Covid-19 pandemic, the district administration has agreed in principle to extend the opening hours of hotels in Birganj area. Hari Panta, president of Birgunj Hotel and Tourism Association, informed that initiative is being taken to operate hotels till midnight.

Earlier, the local administration had banned the opening of hotels and restaurants after 10 pm citing security reasons. Panta said that hotels now will be operated till midnight after fufilling certain safety standards.

Hoteliers of Birgunj, including Pant, met Umesh Kumar Dhakal, chief district officer of Parsa, and demanded to increase the hotel's operating hours. The administration agreed to open the hotel till midnight after safety standards are met. For its preparation, it has been agreed to form a task force under the coordination of the Assistant Chief District Officer of Parsa. Panta said that hoteliers, district police office, armed police and other security agencies will be included in the task force.