Migrant workers face high fares and harassment returning home for Dashain

The annual Dashain festival has prompted a surge of Nepali workers returning from Indian cities, with the Jamunaha crossing alone seeing around 10,000 people each day. While the journey from India can take several days, the final leg is marred by auto-rickshaw drivers charging up to Rs1,400 instead of the official Rs30-Rs50 fare, and occasionally leaving passengers stranded. Police at Trinagar and Jamunaha have set up assistance desks to help travelers and to intervene when overcharging is reported, resulting in the detention of some drivers and the return of excess money.

The Armed Police Force also monitors the border area in plain clothes. Despite these challenges, many migrants are eager to celebrate the festival with their families after months or years abroad.