Birgunj Metropolitan City

Birgunj Metropolitan City is a local government located in Parsa District, Madhesh Province, Nepal. It is one of Nepal's six metropolitan cities and the only metropolitan city in Madhesh Province. The metropolitan city consists of 32 wards, and its Municipal Executive Office is located in Adarshnagar, Birgunj–10.

Situated along the Nepal–India border, Birgunj is closely connected with international trade, customs administration, transportation, and industrial activities. The border crossing with Raxaul in India's Bihar state, the Sirsiya Dry Port, and the Integrated Check Post are among its important trade facilities.

As a local government, Birgunj Metropolitan City is responsible for basic and secondary education, basic healthcare, sanitation, local infrastructure, social security, vital event registration, local revenue, and other public services within its jurisdiction. These responsibilities are defined by the Constitution of Nepal, the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS (2017), and other applicable laws.

Overview of Birgunj Metropolitan City

The population, household, and literacy figures are based on Nepal's National Population and Housing Census 2021 (2078 BS). The area and population density relate to the metropolitan city's expanded administrative boundaries.

Some older introductory materials on the metropolitan city's website contain statistics for its former municipal area. Therefore, figures from different periods should not be treated as if they refer to the same administrative boundaries.

Historical Background of Birgunj

Establishment and Naming of the City

The historical development of Birgunj is associated with the rule of Bir Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana, a former Rana Prime Minister of Nepal.

According to the metropolitan city's official introduction, Bir Shumsher is believed to have established Birgunj Bazaar between 1945 BS and 1950 BS. The city is also believed to have been named after him.

Before the development of Birgunj Bazaar, the Alau area was associated with administrative activities in Parsa. Roads and local trade routes connecting nearby settlements already existed during that period.

Over time, markets, residential settlements, and administrative activities expanded in Birgunj. Cross-border movement and trade with India contributed to the city's urban development.

The historical establishment of Birgunj and the legal formation of the present metropolitan city took place in different periods. Understanding its history therefore requires distinguishing the development of the settlement, its establishment as a municipality, and its subsequent upgrading to metropolitan status.

From Municipality to Metropolitan City

Birgunj's local administrative structure has changed through several stages.

Birgunj was declared a municipality in 2010 BS. Published historical accounts indicate that it was subsequently upgraded to a sub-metropolitan city in 2055 BS.

Following the promulgation of Nepal's Constitution in 2072 BS, the country's local-level restructuring process resulted in changes to Birgunj's administrative structure and boundaries.

Contemporary news reports state that the government decided on Jestha 8, 2074 BS, to upgrade Birgunj and Biratnagar to metropolitan cities. A subsequent Cabinet decision on Jestha 17 addressed their metropolitan status while retaining the boundaries and ward numbers then in effect.

Birgunj was thus upgraded to metropolitan city status in 2074 BS.

Geographical Location and Ward Structure

Birgunj Metropolitan City is situated in the flat Terai region of southern Nepal. Its southern side borders India, including the Raxaul area.

The metropolitan city covers 132.07 square kilometres. Its expanded administrative boundaries include both the older, densely populated urban area and settlements with semi-urban and rural characteristics.

Geographical Features

Birgunj's geographical area includes residential settlements, markets, industries, agricultural land, roads, and other public infrastructure.

The region experiences tropical and subtropical climatic influences, with high temperatures during summer, monsoon rainfall, and cooler conditions during winter.

The Sirsiya River is an important river associated with the area. Originating from the Simara area of Bara District, it flows through Birgunj towards India. The river is also connected with local drainage, environmental conditions, and religious and cultural activities.

The 32 Wards of Birgunj Metropolitan City

Birgunj Metropolitan City is divided into 32 wards.

The wards differ in their geographical and social characteristics. The older urban areas contain commercial establishments, offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and densely populated residential neighbourhoods.

Several wards within the expanded metropolitan boundaries have a mixture of agricultural, industrial, and residential activities.

Each ward has an elected Ward Committee. Ward offices serve as primary contact points for local administration and public services.

These offices handle vital event registration, various recommendations and certifications, social security services, local development-related services, and other administrative functions.

Population and Demographic Profile

National Census 2021 Statistics

According to the National Population and Housing Census 2021 (2078 BS), conducted by Nepal's National Statistics Office, Birgunj Metropolitan City had a total population of 272,382.

The population comprised 142,195 males and 130,187 females.

The literacy rates are calculated for people aged five years and above. According to the census, the male literacy rate was higher than the female literacy rate.

These statistics represent the census reference period of 2021. They do not automatically reflect changes in the population since that time.

Linguistic and Cultural Diversity

Birgunj is home to communities with diverse linguistic, religious, and cultural traditions.

Bhojpuri is one of the major languages used in everyday life and social communication. Nepali, Hindi, Maithili, Urdu, and other languages are also spoken.

Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, and other communities participate in the city's religious and cultural activities.

Festivals celebrated in Birgunj include Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Chhath, Jitiya, Sama Chakewa, and Eid.

During Chhath, religious activities associated with worshipping the Sun take place at Ghadiaarwa Pokhari and other ponds and riverbanks.

Local Governance and Administrative Structure

The governance of Birgunj Metropolitan City operates under the Constitution of Nepal and the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS.

Its institutional structure includes the Municipal Assembly, Municipal Executive, Judicial Committee, and Ward Committees.

Municipal Assembly

The Municipal Assembly is the local legislative body of the metropolitan city.

Under Article 223 of the Constitution of Nepal, the Municipal Assembly consists of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Ward Chairpersons, four elected members from each ward, and Municipal Executive members elected from Dalit or minority communities in accordance with the law.

The Municipal Assembly is responsible for making local laws, approving annual policies and programmes, and making budget-related decisions.

Municipal Executive

The Municipal Executive is the executive body of the local government.

Under Article 216 of the Constitution, the Municipal Executive is formed under the chairpersonship of the Mayor.

It includes the Deputy Mayor, Ward Chairpersons, five women members elected from among Municipal Assembly members, and three members elected from Dalit or minority communities.

The Municipal Executive is responsible for implementing approved policies, programmes, and budgets. It also provides necessary direction and coordination for the metropolitan city's administrative operations.

Judicial Committee

Under Article 217 of the Constitution of Nepal, the metropolitan city has a three-member Judicial Committee coordinated by the Deputy Mayor.

The Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS, determines the committee's jurisdiction and procedures for resolving disputes.

The Judicial Committee handles adjudication or mediation of disputes specified by law. However, not all types of legal disputes fall within its jurisdiction.

Ward Committees

The Constitution provides for a five-member Ward Committee in each ward, consisting of one Ward Chairperson and four Ward Members.

Ward Committees play a role in local planning, public service delivery, issuing recommendations, and performing administrative functions prescribed by law.

Chief Administrative Officer and Departmental Divisions

The metropolitan city's administrative operations are conducted under the leadership of the Chief Administrative Officer.

In accordance with the law, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for implementing decisions of the Municipal Executive, managing personnel and financial administration, and coordinating among departmental divisions.

Under the metropolitan city's approved organisational structure, responsibilities relating to education, health, revenue, infrastructure, the environment, sanitation, and other sectors are carried out through the respective divisions, sections, or departments.

Trade and Industrial Infrastructure of Birgunj

Birgunj is one of Nepal's major border areas associated with international trade with India.

Customs facilities, the dry port, the Integrated Check Post, and road and railway connections support commercial activities in the area.

Birgunj Customs Office

Birgunj Customs Office operates under the customs administration of the Government of Nepal.

Within its jurisdiction, the office is responsible for customs clearance of imported and exported goods, collection of customs revenue, facilitation of legitimate trade, and enforcement of relevant laws.

According to the official introduction published by the Customs Office, two separate customs offices previously operated in Parsa: Birgunj Customs Office and Dry Port Customs Office.

Effective Shrawan 1, 2082 BS, these offices were merged and began operating as Birgunj Customs Office.

Therefore, descriptions of the current customs administration should take this institutional merger into account.

Sirsiya Dry Port

Sirsiya Dry Port, also known as the Birgunj Inland Clearance Depot, is one of Nepal's railway-based international freight transport facilities.

It is connected to the Indian railway network. The facility supports the transportation, storage, and associated trade procedures for containers and other goods imported into and exported from Nepal.

Institutional responsibility for managing infrastructure associated with the dry port falls within the scope of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board.

The physical infrastructure of the dry port and the administrative structure of the customs office are distinct matters.

Birgunj Integrated Check Post

The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Birgunj is infrastructure associated with cross-border trade and movement between Nepal and India.

The then Prime Ministers of Nepal and India jointly inaugurated the facility on April 7, 2018.

The Integrated Check Post provides arrangements for the coordinated operation of customs and other cross-border regulatory functions.

Industries and Local Businesses

The surrounding Birgunj area is connected to the Birgunj–Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor.

Food processing, construction materials, industrial manufacturing, and other commercial activities operate in this area.

Birgunj's local economy is associated with trade, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, banking, hotels, and other service businesses.

However, the presence of an industry within metropolitan boundaries does not necessarily mean that the metropolitan government alone regulates all its operations. Regulatory responsibilities may differ among federal, provincial, and local authorities depending on the nature of the industry and applicable laws.

Education and Educational Institutions

The Constitution of Nepal places basic and secondary education within the exclusive powers of local governments.

In accordance with relevant laws, Birgunj Metropolitan City performs responsibilities relating to school-level educational administration, local education planning, school monitoring, and other educational functions.

Basic and Secondary Education

Both community and institutional schools operate within Birgunj Metropolitan City.

School operating permits, management, local education planning, and regulatory functions are administered according to the jurisdiction prescribed by law.

The number of schools, approved grades, subject programmes, and other educational details may change over time.

Therefore, official records for the relevant academic year should be consulted for updated institutional information.

Thakur Ram Multiple Campus

Thakur Ram Multiple Campus is a constituent campus of Tribhuvan University located in Birgunj.

According to the campus's official information, it was established in 2009 BS.

The campus offers higher education programmes in Education, Humanities, Management, and Science and Technology.

Its academic and university-related administration operates under the regulations and arrangements of Tribhuvan University.

Birgunj Nursing Campus

Birgunj Nursing Campus is a constituent campus under the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University.

The campus was established in 2032 BS.

It offers nursing education programmes. Its official introduction lists the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNS) and B.Sc. Nursing programmes.

Admissions, seat allocations, entrance procedures, and curriculum requirements for a particular academic year are determined according to the latest notices issued by the relevant university and regulatory authorities.

Healthcare Services and Health Institutions

Birgunj Metropolitan City's healthcare responsibilities relate to basic health services and public health programmes under local government jurisdiction.

The metropolitan area also contains hospitals under the federal government, private hospitals, and other healthcare institutions.

Local Government Healthcare Responsibilities

Schedule 8 of the Constitution of Nepal includes basic health and sanitation within the powers of local governments.

Under applicable laws and programmes, the metropolitan city carries out functions associated with immunisation, maternal and child health, nutrition, disease prevention, health promotion, and basic healthcare services.

Details of healthcare institutions, service coverage, and available facilities may vary according to updated records maintained by the relevant offices.

Narayani Hospital

Narayani Hospital is a government hospital located in Birgunj, Parsa.

Its official website lists emergency treatment, general medicine, surgery, maternity care, dialysis, and other healthcare services.

Although the hospital is located in Birgunj, it does not operate under the same administrative structure as the metropolitan city's regular ward-level healthcare service system.

Information about the current availability of services, treatment charges, health insurance, and specialist care should be obtained from the hospital's official notices.

Local Revenue, Budget, and Financial Management

The financial administration of Birgunj Metropolitan City operates under the Constitution of Nepal, the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS, the Intergovernmental Fiscal Arrangement Act, 2074 BS, and other applicable laws.

The metropolitan city manages local revenue and financial resources legally available to it and spends these resources on approved plans and programmes.

Sources of Local Revenue

Revenue sources that may fall within the metropolitan city's legal jurisdiction include property tax, land tax, house rent tax, business tax, advertisement tax, and various service charges and administrative fees.

The applicable rates for each tax or fee are determined by the Economic Act for the relevant fiscal year and prevailing legal provisions.

Consequently, rates applicable in a previous fiscal year should not automatically be assumed to remain valid in a new fiscal year.

Annual Policies and Budget

The metropolitan city prepares its annual policies, programmes, and budget in accordance with legal procedures and presents them to the Municipal Assembly.

Nepal's legal provisions require local governments to present their budgets to their respective assemblies by Ashadh 10 of each fiscal year.

Birgunj Metropolitan City has published its annual policies and programmes and budget statement for fiscal year on its official website.

Proposed budget amounts, approved allocations, actual expenditure, and programme achievements are separate financial matters.

Understanding actual spending or programme progress requires the financial and progress reports for the relevant reporting period.

Public Services and Functions of Ward Offices

Birgunj Metropolitan City and its ward offices provide various administrative and public services to local residents.

Depending on the nature of the service, applicants must complete the required procedures at the relevant ward office, metropolitan department, or other authorised institution.

The availability of these services, responsible offices, required documents, fees, and processing periods are determined by applicable laws and the procedures of the relevant institutions.

Vital Event Registration

According to the Department of National ID and Civil Registration, vital events may be registered at the ward office corresponding to a person's permanent address or at the office of the local registrar where the event occurred.

Registration within 35 days of the event is free of charge. Late registration fees may apply after this period in accordance with prevailing laws.

When registering a vital event, applicants should enter accurate information in the notification form, submit the necessary documents, and verify the details printed on the registration certificate.

Citizen Charter and Service Information

Before applying for a service, citizens should consult the latest Citizen Charter or official notices issued by the relevant office.

A Citizen Charter may include information about service procedures, required documents, responsible officials, processing periods, and applicable fees.

Because services provided by the metropolitan office and ward offices may differ, applicants should prioritise information supplied by the office responsible for their particular service.

Environment, Sanitation, and Disaster Management

Solid waste management, roads and drainage, public sanitation, environmental protection, and disaster risk reduction are among the responsibilities associated with the metropolitan city's local public administration.

These matters are particularly relevant to local planning and management because of Birgunj's densely populated urban settlements, industrial activities, and trade infrastructure.

Pollution of the Sirsiya River

Pollution of the Sirsiya River is an environmental concern affecting Birgunj and surrounding areas.

In a statement issued in Jestha 2083 BS, Nepal's Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies reported receiving complaints and grievances concerning the discharge of untreated industrial wastewater, or wastewater not meeting prescribed standards, into rivers and streams by industries along the Sirsiya River corridor.

The ministry emphasised compliance with existing industrial and environmental laws concerning pollution control and wastewater treatment.

Controlling river pollution requires coordination among the industries concerned, regulatory authorities, local governments, and other stakeholders.

However, the legal responsibility of any particular industry, or a conclusion that it has violated the law, can only be established on the basis of verified investigations and decisions by the competent authorities.

Sanitation and Disaster Risk Management

The metropolitan city's responsibilities include local solid waste management, public sanitation, drainage and sewerage management, and environmental protection.

Similarly, laws governing disaster risk reduction and management assign local governments responsibilities for risk identification, preparedness, response, and coordination with relevant authorities within their jurisdictions.

The implementation of these responsibilities depends on applicable laws, approved programmes, available resources, and the responsibilities assigned to the institutions concerned.

Religious and Cultural Sites in Birgunj

Birgunj has several public places associated with different religious and cultural traditions.

Gahawa Maisthan Temple

Gahawa Maisthan Temple is a religious site located in the Maisthan area of Birgunj.

Regular worship and other religious activities take place at the temple. Special religious programmes are organised during Dashain.

Ghadiarwa Pokhari

Ghadiarwa Pokhari is a pond of religious and public significance in Birgunj.

The pond area is particularly associated with Sun worship ceremonies during the Chhath festival.

Shankaracharya Gate

Shankaracharya Gate is an entrance structure associated with the Birgunj–Raxaul border area.

It is recognised as a public structure connected with Birgunj's cross-border links and urban identity.

Birgunj Metropolitan City Office and Contact Details

The official website of Birgunj Metropolitan City provides access to government notices, information about public services, local laws, annual policies and programmes, budgets, and other published materials.

These details are based on contact information published on the metropolitan city's official website.

As contact channels and responsible officials may change, users should consult the latest information on the official website when necessary.

Conclusion

Birgunj Metropolitan City is a local government comprising 32 wards in Parsa District, Madhesh Province, Nepal. Its administrative development has progressed through the municipality and sub-metropolitan city stages to its present metropolitan structure.

The Nepal–India border, customs facilities, dry port, and industrial activities have established Birgunj's economic and geographical identity in connection with international trade.

However, the metropolitan city's responsibilities as a local government extend beyond trade infrastructure. Education, basic healthcare, sanitation, local revenue, public infrastructure, social security, vital event registration, and environmental management also fall within its statutory responsibilities.

Understanding its institutional structure and public services requires a clear distinction between the administrative jurisdictions of the local government, federal authorities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other offices.

For information that changes over time, such as public service procedures, fees, elected representatives, administrative responsibilities, and annual plans, the latest official records of the relevant institutions should be consulted.

Source Review Date: October 26, 2026

Demographic Reference Period: National Population and Housing Census 2021 (2078 BS)