Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan, the two-time elected leader of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, has emerged as one of Nepal’s most dedicated local government figures, steering the city towards a balance of modern development and cultural preservation.
Born on December 1, 1957, in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Maharjan rose from humble beginnings, losing his father at a young age and completing his studies with the help of community support. He went on to earn his master’s degree in commerce from Tribhuvan University while actively engaging in social service.
His political career began as Ward Chairperson in Lalitpur Municipality, where he was elected three times during the 1980s and early 1990s. Following the restoration of democracy, he formally joined the Nepali Congress and has since remained a strong advocate for accountable and citizen-focused governance.
As Mayor of Lalitpur (2017–present), Maharjan has introduced transformative projects that set a benchmark for urban leadership in Nepal. Under his first tenure, he launched initiatives such as Nepal’s first dedicated cycle lane, smart streetlights, modern waste-management systems, and public-friendly services like seed vending and water distribution machines. His commitment to sustainability and inclusivity earned him praise both locally and internationally.
Re-elected in 2022 with a decisive majority, Maharjan has continued his developmental agenda. Current plans include free preschool education across all wards, expansion of green spaces and parks, afforestation along the Bagmati River, improved access to clean water, and new infrastructure such as a proposed flyover from Thapathali to Pulchowk. At the same time, he has placed strong emphasis on protecting Lalitpur’s cultural heritage, ensuring that modernization does not come at the cost of tradition.
Beyond city boundaries, Maharjan has actively fostered international cooperation. Recently, he engaged with officials from Korea and Japan to promote cultural exchange, sustainable development, and heritage conservation partnerships for Lalitpur.
Chiri Babu Maharjan’s leadership is widely seen as a blend of humility, vision, and action. From riding his decades-old bicycle to inaugurate the city’s cycle lane, to championing conservation and innovation hand-in-hand, he continues to inspire a new model of local governance in Nepal.
With his second term underway, Lalitpur residents and observers across the country will be closely watching how this veteran leader further shapes one of Nepal’s most historic and livable cities.
