Around One Million Residents Set to Depart Kathmandu Valley for Dashain Holiday
Transport officials expect roughly one million people to leave Kathmandu Valley by road for Dashain, with an additional 30,000-35,000 traveling by air.
Officials project that about one million passengers will travel out of Kathmandu Valley by road during the Dashain festival, requiring roughly 50,000-60,000 buses, while 30,000-35,000 are expected to fly domestically. The Department of Transport Management opened ticket sales at several bus parks and online platforms, and will permit long- and medium-distance vehicles to operate nationwide from Ghatasthapana to October 27.
A new system will record every privately-hired vehicle to address road accidents, fare inflation and overcapacity, with joint monitoring by transport authorities, traffic police and bus operators at key hubs. Fare charts must be posted, and buses will carry two drivers and undergo mechanical and emissions checks. The traffic police have set up passenger assistance desks at 15 locations, and emergency rescue teams will be positioned at 18 sites. Tribhuvan International Airport is extending flight hours and adding services to destinations such as Biratnagar, Chandragadhi and Janakpur to meet the surge in domestic travelers.
