KATHMANDU: The number of passengers leaving Kathmandu Valley for their hometowns has increased as people prepare to celebrate Dashain with their families and relatives.
People living in the capital for education, employment, and other professional activities have begun returning to their home districts in large numbers. The growing movement has increased passenger traffic at several checkpoints across the valley, with public transport services carrying travellers to destinations throughout the country.
According to Rabindra Khanal, Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, a total of 56,809 passengers left the Valley through various checkpoints in the 24 hours from Monday morning to Tuesday morning.
The growing passenger flow has created challenges for transport operators, particularly because of damaged roads and delays caused by disrupted highway connections.
Deknath Gautam, general secretary of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, said road conditions had made it difficult to manage vehicles and maintain schedules.
“Several national highways have been damaged ahead of Dashain, making it difficult for vehicles to reach their destinations and return to Kathmandu on time. This has created problems in managing transport services,” he said.
Gautam added that the Prithvi Highway section at Galaudi in Dhading collapsed, the day advance bus ticket bookings opened, disrupting traffic and leaving many vehicles stranded in Kathmandu.
Amid the increased travel demand, the federation has urged passengers to purchase tickets before travelling, pay only the prescribed fares, and check the condition of vehicles to ensure safe journeys.
Dashain, Nepal’s major Hindu festival, brings families and communities together, prompting thousands of people living in Kathmandu Valley for work and education to return to their hometowns each year.