KATHMANDU, Oct 13: The number of passengers leaving the Kathmandu Valley has surged as Dashain approaches, with 56,809 people departing in the 24 hours between Monday morning and Tuesday morning.
People living in the capital for study, work and business are heading home to celebrate the festival with their families. Passenger traffic has increased on both long and short routes through the Valley’s main exit points.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office said 27,649 passengers left through Nagdhunga and 20,615 through Bhaktapur.
Related story
1.7 million people leave Kathmandu for Dashain celebration
Another 5,510 departed through Pharping, 972 through Tinpiple, 886 through Bhattedanda, 608 through Sankhu, 513 through Bhimdhunga and 56 through Thankot.
The growing rush, combined with damaged highways, has made it difficult for transport operators to manage services.
Dek Nath Gautam, general secretary of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, said poor road conditions were delaying vehicles travelling to their destinations and returning to Kathmandu.
“Damage to several national highways on the eve of Dashain has disrupted schedules and made it difficult to manage vehicles,” he said.
Gautam said a section of the Prithvi Highway at Galaundi in Dhading subsided on October 9, the day advance bus ticket bookings opened. The resulting disruption left many vehicles stranded in Kathmandu, complicating transport arrangements.
The federation has urged passengers to buy tickets before travelling, pay only the prescribed fares and check the condition of their vehicles before boarding.
The annual Dashain departure brings thousands of people home from the capital to reunite with their families, relatives and communities.