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Kunal Kayal has been appointed as the Vice President of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI). 

He previously served as Treasurer in the former Executive Committee and is currently an active member of the existing committee. 

His appointment reflects NICCI’s continued commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nepal and India in trade, investment, and industrial growth.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Kayal is a Director at Keyal Group, a prominent industrial and trading conglomerate in Nepal. The Keyal Group has diversified interests spanning manufacturing, construction materials trading, hydropower and solar energy, real estate, banking and insurance, tourism, healthcare, and other services. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of Jordan to Nepal, adding a valuable international dimension to his portfolio. 

Similarly, NICCI’s Executive Committee has also promoted Marshal Rathour to the position of Director. 

Rathour has been serving as Deputy Director and has been associated with NICCI for over 24 years. His long-standing contribution and institutional knowledge are expected to significantly enhance NICCI’s operational effectiveness and organizational performance. 

Meanwhile, the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry has extended its heartfelt congratulations to both Kayal and Rathour on their new roles and wishes them a successful and impactful tenure.

More than 14,000 inmates escaped from 28 prisons and juvenile detention centers across Nepal during the GenZ–led protests on Sept 8–9. The unprecedented prison break posed a grave security threat and prompted a nationwide manhunt to recapture the fugitives, many of whom were serving sentences for serious crimes such as rape and murder.

According to the Department of Prison Management, 8,851 escapees, including 341 juvenile detainees, have voluntarily surrendered since the incident. However, public concern remains high, as nearly 5,700 individuals are still at large.

On the day of the protests, several inmates were killed during escape attempts. Three prisoners were shot dead while trying to breach security perimeters in Ramechhap and Dhading, while five juvenile detainees died in a clash at the Naubasta Juvenile Correctional Home. Escapes were reported across the country, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Sunsari, Saptari, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sindhuli, Makawanpur, Rasuwa, Chitwan, Tanahun, Kaski, Parbat, Myagdi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, Rukum West, Nawalparasi, Jumla, Bajhang, Kailali, Darchula, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, and Kanchanpur. Similarly, 963 juveniles escaped from correctional homes in Morang, Parsa, Bhaktapur, Makawanpur, Kaski, Rupandehi, Jayandu, Banke, and Doti.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an ultimatum requiring all escapees to return by Oct 6. Those who fail to comply face additional legal charges, including escape, public endangerment, and violent conduct. “This mass escape must not be allowed to undermine the rule of law,” the ministry said in a statement.

A nationwide operation, coordinated by a special task force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is underway to track down the remaining fugitives. The task force includes local authorities, Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and other security agencies. Each district has formed a dedicated team led by the Assistant Chief District Officer, with representatives from law enforcement and other relevant agencies, to locate, control, and re-arrest escapees as swiftly as possible.

“There are currently 30,646 prisoners serving sentences for various offenses in 75 prisons across 72 districts,” said Chomendra Neupane, director of the Department of Prison Management. “There are no prisons in Dhanusha, Bara, Bhaktapur, Nawalparasi East, and East Rukum.”

Neupane added that the number of returnees is gradually increasing, particularly after the Dashain festival, and that the department expects more inmates to surrender in the coming days. “If anyone has information about escaped prisoners or juveniles, they can contact the nearest police station or notify the department directly,” he said.

According to the department, some escapees have already reoffended, committing crimes such as theft and even murder. “We have found that many of those who escaped were not rehabilitated despite their time in prison,” Neupane said. “We are taking stricter measures to ensure public safety and are reinforcing law enforcement operations to make the process more effective.”

Regarding how the escapes will affect inmates’ sentences, Neupane said each case will be reviewed individually. “Some may have fled out of fear for their safety amid the chaos, while others deliberately took advantage of the situation,” he said. Prisoners who left due to credible safety concerns may be required to serve only their remaining term, whereas those who escaped without justification face extended prison sentences and new legal charges.

Authorities are currently preparing detailed reports on each case, and district police offices nationwide are conducting investigations to assess the specific circumstances of each escape. Outcomes will depend on several factors, including the severity of the original crime, behavior during incarceration, and conduct following the escape.

“In some cases, escapees may lose eligibility for parole or early release,” Neupane said. “Every situation is different, and we are working to ensure that justice is served fairly within the existing legal framework.”

The mass escape during the GenZ protests has placed significant strain on Nepal’s prison and law enforcement systems. With nearly 5,700 inmates still on the run, authorities are under mounting pressure to restore security and public trust. In the longer term, the crisis may prompt major reforms in Nepal’s prison management and security protocols, particularly concerning the treatment and supervision of juvenile detainees.

The government has said that the reconstruction of the road infrastructure damaged by the recent floods and landslides will cost Rs 12.38 billion, given first priority to restoring the damaged roads.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport stated that an estimated Rs 10.68 billion will be required for reconstruction of the major highways, alternative roads, Bailey bridge and permanent bridges damaged due to the monsoon-induced disasters.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Kulman Ghising has said that subordinate agencies are working with the first priority on restoring roads damaged and blocked due to floods and landslides.

Also the Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ghising, said that manpower along with equipment has been deployed to operate the blocked road as soon as possible.

He stated that manpower along with equipment has been deployed to operate the blocked road as soon as possible.

The recent flood has caused significant damage to the Mechi Highway. It is estimated that Rs 1.5 billion will be required for the reconstruction of this highway.

Similarly, the government estimates that it will cost Rs 3.77 billion to rebuild the damaged Koshi, Mid-Hill, Postal, Araniko, Kanti, Narayanghat-Muglin and other highways.

According to Minister Ghising's private secretariat, the government has estimated that it will cost Rs 4.52 billion to rebuild 17 damaged bridges, Rs 800 million to install Bailey bridges, and Rs 1.59 billion for the maintenance of alternative roads.

Continuous rainfall on Oct 4 and 5 inflicted widespread damage to major highways, bridges and culverts across eastern and central Nepal, severely disrupting transportation and connectivity.

According to the Department of Roads (DoR), the Mechi Highway of Koshi Province and BP Highway of Bagmati Province have suffered the most extensive damage due to floods and landslides. “Four bridges and dozens of culverts  have been destroyed by floods and landslides triggered by heavy downpour,” said Engineer Prabhat Kumar Jha, spokesperson for the DoR. 

He added that more than 250 landslides have been recorded along 80 major highways so far. “Even if funding is made available today, it will take at least two to three years to stabilize these slopes and rebuild the damaged infrastructure,” he said, estimating a cost of around Rs 20bn for the restoration work.

While a full assessment is still underway, preliminary reports show that a permanent bridge and two bailey bridges along the Mechi Corridor, an under-construction bridge over the Sanomai River on the Mechi Highway, and one bridge along the Hulaki Highway were either swept away or critically damaged.

Apart from Mechi and BP highways, several other major roads—including the Prithvi Highway, Hulaki Highway, Mid-Hills Highway, Kanti Highway and Araniko Highway in Koshi and Bagmati provinces, have sustained partial or complete damage. Some sections are operating one-way, while others remain completely blocked.

“The immediate focus is on reopening roads and ensuring movement of vehicles,” Jha said. “Reconstructing permanent bridges and restoring roads to their original condition will take time.”

The DoR has requested the Ministry of Finance for emergency funds to clear debris and start temporary restoration. It also plans to seek the release of money from the Road Board, where over Rs 100bn remains unspent. The department intends to use Rs 20 billion from that amount specifically for landslide prevention and highway stabilization projects. “We face the same problems every monsoon. Without proper preventive measures, the damage will only worsen in the coming years,” Jha said.

Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal said that the government would mobilize its own resources and, if necessary, seek international assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation. The government is also preparing to install about 10 new bailey bridges in critical sections to restore connectivity in the short term.