Kathmandu, April 8 -- The city of Patan wants to transform its ancient and historic centre for pedestrians as part of the municipality's transport master plan. At the heart of the project is an ambitious plan: building a network of cycling lanes.

The project envisions connecting Patan's open spaces, river corridors, ancient heritage sites and forgotten trails on the southern rim of Kathmandu Valley with each other. According to Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan, it is a commitment to rectify past blunders and revitalise the city.

"How we plan our city today will decide the future of Patan," the mayor said in an interview with the Post. "The vehicle-centric development has only resulted in more congestion and air pollution and a loss or absence o...