The government has initiated the process of preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Kathmandu Metro Rail project by inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from international consulting firms.

The Rail, Metro Rail and Monorail Development Project issued a public notice seeking qualified international consultants to undertake the DPR for the metro system, which is planned along a 27.5-kilometer route covering Kathmandu's Ring Road corridor.

According to the proposal, the metro route will begin at Narayangopal Chowk and pass through key locations including Chabahil, Koteshwor, Satdobato, and Ratnapark before returning to Narayangopal Chowk, forming a circular transit network.

Interested international consulting firms have been asked to submit applications through the government's electronic procurement (e-GP) system by June 15, 2026.

The government has stated that the entire cost of preparing the DPR will be financed through domestic resources.

Consultants will be evaluated based on qualification (50 percent), experience (40 percent), and technical capacity (10 percent). Only firms securing at least 70 percent of the total score will be eligible to participate in the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage.

The proposed metro system will incorporate portions of Line 1 and Line 3 in a loop configuration and is expected to include approximately 22 stations across the route.

Project planners have also proposed a combination of elevated and underground infrastructure to accommodate Kathmandu's urban landscape and transportation requirements.

The DPR will include a comprehensive review of previous feasibility studies, route alignment analysis, detailed engineering design, cost estimation, economic and financial analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Social Impact Assessment (SIA), and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) planning.

Officials believe the metro rail project could play a significant role in easing traffic congestion, improving urban mobility, and supporting sustainable transportation development within the Kathmandu Valley.