Dashain, the biggest festival, creates a buzz all around the nation. It is time for people to go back to their villages, reconnect with their families and receive Tika and blessings from the elders. Regardless of where they are and how busy their life becomes, going back to their home is always one of the most treasured aspects of the celebration. But unfortunately, the terrible Bhotekoshi floods and landslides of this year make this journey even harder. Damaged highways, roads which are blocked by landslides and possibilities of new landslides have made this much-anticipated journey very tough indeed. The journey home is more challenging, and concerns rise over traffic congestion, passenger safety and the timely restoration of highways.
An estimated 1.5 million people are expected to leave the Kathmandu Valley this year according to government projections. Of them, between 650,000 and 975,000 will travel by transport. The total could rise further when private vehicles are included. Managing such a number of passengers requires adequate transport services, efficient traffic management and reliable road infrastructure.
Dashain symbolises Nepal’s traditions and family ties. Young people, migrant workers and students living in cities return to homes to celebrate with families. Yet fulfilling this cherished tradition often means navigating highways, sharp bends, damaged bridges and landslide‑prone mountain roads.
The devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26, followed by monsoon rainfall between October 8 and 12 further damaged the country’s road network. Government estimates indicate that 7,000 kilometres of roads have been affected by floods and landslides.
The Araniko Highway, BP Highway, Kanti Highway, Galchhi–Trishuli road and Nagdhunga-Mugling section are among the routes facing serious challenges.
The government has pledged to restore roads and facilitate the movement of passengers during Dashain. Repair and clearance work has been intensified on major routes. However, the continuing risk of landslides and further rainfall cannot guarantee journeys.
Damaged highways
The Nagdhunga entry and exit point accounts for 55 per cent of vehicles leaving the valley. An estimated 85 to 90 per cent of vehicles entering and leaving Kathmandu use the Nagdhunga, Sanga and Pharping routes. Congestion at these points can result in hours of delay, especially when traffic increases during the festival.
The Mugling-Narayanghat section remains vulnerable to landslides. Although debris is cleared and traffic resumes, fresh landslides can block the road again quickly. Journeys that would normally take five hours may extend beyond 15 hours.
Poor road conditions remain a problem. Narrow carriageways, potholes, inadequate drainage and risky slope‑cutting work undermine road safety. Some sections of the Mid‑Hill Highway operate under one‑way traffic arrangements, while roads passing beneath cliffs and above rivers remain particularly dangerous.
Transport management
Ensuring public transport is another major challenge. A study estimates that between 43,574 and 65,361 public transport trips may be required to carry passengers during the Dashain period. However, the availability of vehicles remains a concern during peak travel days.
Passengers also face difficulties securing tickets. An online survey indicates that 52 per cent of passengers prefer ticketing, highlighting the need for a more accessible and transparent booking system. Ticket black‑marketing, overcharging and overcrowding further complicate travel. Poorly maintained vehicles and inadequate rest for drivers add to the risks.
Transport operators and authorities must ensure that vehicles are mechanically sound and that drivers comply with safety regulations. The requirement for two drivers on long‑distance buses is particularly important, although its implementation remains a concern. Driving for periods without adequate rest can impair concentration and reaction time. Over-speeding, reckless overtaking and driving under the influence of alcohol can turn already difficult roads into potential accident sites.
Road safety
Road safety must remain central to Dashain travel management. Nepal records 2,880 road deaths and about 14,400 injuries annually according to the figures provided. Accidents tend to increase during festivals as traffic volumes rise and drivers face pressure to complete more trips. Fatigue, poor visibility and night‑time travel can further increase the risks.
Road accidents usually happen because of human, mechanical and environmental problems. Poor roads, design and too many vehicles add to physical danger. How drivers act and how aware pedestrians are. How skilled other road users are affects human danger. Mechanical problems can be lessened by checks on vehicles while bad weather, fog, heavy rain, floods and landslides need quick warnings and good travel choices.
Reducing road accidents needs more than checking traffic during festivals. Drivers must obey speed limits, avoid overtaking and get enough rest. Passengers should not ride in overloaded vehicles. Transport operators must make sure that their vehicles meet safety rules. Traffic police must increase monitoring and enforce traffic. Public awareness campaigns can also push habits among drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Preparedness
The Department of Roads plans to use over 70 machines for road maintenance and emergency response. 24‑Hour rescue teams at spots, quick landslide removal and clearing of debris are vital during the festival. Work has been sped up on the Nagdhunga-Mugling corridor, though some parts still run one‑way. Continuous monitoring is essential because the danger of landslides stays.
Transport operators link the start of advance ticket booking to the state of roads. This caution shows the need to keep passengers out of routes that are unsafe or unreliable. Travellers are compelled to be stuck on highways for days during big disruptions. Better cooperation between road authorities, transport operators, traffic police and local administrations is needed to stop a repeat.
Passengers must also take responsibility for their safety. Checking weather reports and road conditions before leaving, staying away from travel during bad weather and giving enough time for journeys can lower risks. Authorities should give info on road closures, detours and delays so that passengers can choose wisely.
The repeated problems during Dashain reveal deeper structural faults. Delayed road widening, poor maintenance, bad construction and severe weather keep travellers in danger. Investing long‑term in good roads, drainage, slope fixing and safer bridges is vital to stop similar problems each year.
Safe journey
The government says that the number of people leaving Kathmandu may drop to between one million and 1.5 million this year compared with 2 to 2.5 million in the Dashain season. This drop makes sense because transport services are hit and road conditions are unclear.
The government, Department of Roads, traffic police, transport operators and citizens must work together to make travel safer and more predictable. Compliance with traffic rules, responsible driving, reliable public transport and timely information are essential. A safe journey is an essential part of a happy Dashain. It is only by making our roads safe, reliable and robust that the annual homecoming voyage becomes a celebration for millions of Nepali people.
(Khatri is a Chief Proofreading Officer at The Rising Nepal.)
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