KATHMANDU: The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has said that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure effective transport services during the upcoming festival season.
Speaking at a discussion with transport entrepreneurs and stakeholders on Tuesday, DoTM Director General Rajiv Pokharel said the department is committed to providing safe and reliable travel for passengers.
“Maintaining order in the transport sector and ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely requires close cooperation among all agencies,” he said.
To prevent road blockages during peak travel, the department will coordinate with the Department of Roads to deploy bulldozers and other equipment at key points. Pokharel also said fare rates will be made transparent by displaying official fare boards at passenger help desks and other major locations.
At the meeting, Senior Vice President of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs (NFNTE) Saroj Sitaula said around 400,000 passengers had already left the Kathmandu Valley in the last three days alone. He pointed out that unlike previous years, when the biggest rush occurred between Ghatasthapana and Phulpati, this year the exodus has started much earlier.
Sitoula said transport entrepreneurs are ready to serve passengers but stressed that government agencies must also remain prepared to address challenges.
NFNTE President Vijay Bahadur Swar reaffirmed that transport operators will not raise fares despite current difficulties, and will instead focus on service delivery. He clarified that advance ticketing will depend on the availability of vehicles, rather than blanket pre-sales.
With rising passenger numbers expected in the coming weeks, the department and transport entrepreneurs have pledged to work together to manage demand and ensure safe, affordable travel during the festival season.
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