Approximately 1.5 Million Expected to Leave Kathmandu During Dashain; Traffic Management on Flood-Affected Roads Underway
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This year, the monsoon rains have severely damaged many highways and major roads. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is currently conducting repairs to ensure uninterrupted travel throughout the Dashain festival period.
The Parliamentary Infrastructure Development Committee estimates that approximately 1.5 million people will leave the Kathmandu Valley during this Dashain.
To ensure smooth travel, the committee chairman has issued necessary instructions to relevant authorities concerning road repairs, security arrangements, ticket booking, and monitoring.
The report titled Public Transport Travel Management 2073 highlights the increased vehicle congestion during festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, addressing issues such as irregularities in ticket sales and road safety risks, while recommending solutions.
Floods and landslides across various parts of the country have blocked multiple roads, causing operational challenges on these routes.
The Department of Travel Affairs announced that talks with transport entrepreneurs regarding the advance ticket booking schedule will take place next Tuesday.
The National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs has stated that the advance ticket booking date will be fixed following discussions with the government and is currently awaiting the department’s call for talks.
Efforts Underway to Reopen Blocked Roads
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Umesh Bindu Shrestha, spokesperson for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, stated that work is progressing to open all possible roads ahead of the Dashain festival.
“We are actively implementing plans to reopen blocked roads. Rapid repair work is ongoing in the Rasuwa Gadhi area,” Shrestha said.
“The traffic jam at Krishnaabhir on the Prithvi Highway has been temporarily cleared and is now operational. We trust that no major damage will occur with the upcoming monsoon.”
He also confirmed that work is progressing according to the Parliamentary Infrastructure Development Committee’s report.
Committee chairman and member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Ashish Gajurel, shared that continuous dialogue is ongoing with the ministry, the Department of Roads, the Department of Transport Management, and other relevant agencies.
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Chairman Gajurel emphasized, “All roads must be operational. Equipment has been deployed to promptly repair landslide and flood-affected areas. Roads at risk should be closed at night with appropriate warnings.”
“The Department of Roads has assured that all roads will be open before Dashain. Though severe landslides or floods could change situations, we are optimistic that Dashain will pass without major disruptions this year.”
He added that authorities have also been instructed to open advance ticket booking for public transport.
“The Department of Travel Affairs has been directed on when to open bookings, how to inform passengers about tickets and fares, and to take legal action against those involved in fraudulent activities,” he said.
It is expected that a large number of people will travel between Phulpati and Nawami, with around 75,000 vehicles operating daily.
Issues such as companies creating artificial scarcity, charging excessive fares, and refusing bookings citing no seats available have been reported. To address these, guidelines and recommendations have been issued, Gajurel noted.
“Operators should assign vehicles based on travel demand and negotiate fares with passengers. Operators who force drivers to work more than eight hours should face on-the-spot penalties,” said the MP.
“On days with heavy traffic, arrangements have been instructed for assistance from the military, police, and school buses.”
The committee has also recommended that traffic police take action against violations such as overcrowding and consumption of food at terminals.
When Will Advance Ticket Booking for Dashain Open?
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The National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs has emphasized coordination with the Department of Roads, Department of Transport Management, and traffic administration to facilitate smooth movement during Dashain.
Federation Chairman Saroj Sitaula said discussions with the department are complete and the advance booking process is straightforward.
“We are holding internal discussions prioritizing road conditions and safe arrival of passengers at their destinations,” Chairman Sitaula noted.
“Natural disasters have damaged roads nationwide. The government is repairing them. Once restored, travel during Dashain will be easier.”
He also commented that the Nepali Congress 15th General Convention has increased transport pressure as people arriving for the event have not yet returned home.
“Once the convention ends and everyone returns, there will be no problem. Otherwise, heavy demand for transport during Dashain is expected,” he cautioned.
“A large crowd will travel from Kartik 25 to Ashtami, so cooperation among all parties for proper management will be essential.”