KATHMANDU, Sept 13: A number of private businesses have resumed services after suffering heavy losses during the violence that followed the Gen Z protests, while welcoming the formation of the new government under Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
Bhatbhateni Superstore, one of the hardest-hit enterprises, announced on Saturday that it has reopened 16 outlets across the country. The retail chain suffered extensive arson and looting at several branches during the unrest. Within the Kathmandu Valley, stores in Tokha, Satdobato, Anamnagar, Sanagaun, Tripureshwor, Patan, Kalanki, Radhe Radhe and Balaju have resumed operations. Branches in Nepalgunj, Janakpur, Butwal, Birgunj, Dhangadhi, Itahari and Bhairahawa are also back in service.
The protests caused unprecedented destruction across the private sector, with damages estimated in billions of rupees. Insurers are preparing to settle claims that could exceed Rs 50 billion. Major businesses affected include Hilton Hotel, Bhatbhateni Supermarket, Ncell, CG Electronics, and Central Business Park. Educational institutions such as Global College, Nightingale School and Ullens School, along with cable car infrastructure in Chandragiri and Maulakalika, were also vandalized.
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Several banks and financial institutions—including Rastriya Banijya Bank, Himalayan Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and Global IME Bank—sustained damages as well. Residences of business leaders, politicians, and citizens were not spared either.
According to the Hotel Association Nepal, about two dozen hotels were damaged, with losses estimated at around Rs 25 billion in the hospitality sector alone.
Banks and financial institutions partially resumed operations on Friday and are set to fully restore services from Sunday. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has also requested schools that remained closed last week to reopen classes from Monday.
Chandragiri Hills Ltd has pledged to restart services soon. “We will rise again and will have smooth operating services shortly,” the company said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) expressed solidarity with the new government, calling for an investment-friendly environment to revive economic activities. “In the current situation, we are ready to cooperate with the Government of Nepal and commit maximum investment in the journey of economic prosperity and national reconstruction,” IPPAN said.
