The government has introduced a revised National Building Code to enhance construction safety and earthquake resilience. Replacing outdated standards deemed impractical and misaligned with international norms, the new code, published in the Nepal Gazette, provides guidelines for buildings and major infrastructure, including hydropower dams and tunnels.
Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising emphasised its importance for a safer future, urging adherence from local governments, engineers, and the public.
Key updates include a comprehensive seismic zoning map for all 753 local levels and improved soil classification, including a specific map for the Kathmandu Valley. New load-combination formulas and updated stability-check equations now account for snow, liquid, and soil pressure.
Furthermore, the code introduces criteria for enhanced structural flexibility to improve energy absorption during earthquakes and strengthens standards for weak ground floors and torsional irregularities, particularly in taller buildings, which is expected to reduce construction costs over time.
Developed through consultations with engineers, associations, universities, and international code reviews, the updated code aims to reduce earthquake damage, improve safety and design consistency, support scientific building evaluations, lower long-term costs, and provide clearer guidance for engineers.
