KATHMANDU: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, held discussions with stakeholders today on festival-targeted transport management and road safety.
Following the meeting, Minister Ghising directed authorities to provide passengers with round-the-clock information on road conditions, address complaints promptly, and ensure blocked roads due to floods and landslides are reopened without delay.
It was decided that public passenger vehicles leaving the Kathmandu Valley will be routed through the Nagdhunga–Sisneri tunnel road.
After Dashain, the same arrangement will be made for vehicles entering the Valley, according to the Minister’s Secretariat.
The meeting also decided to request the Home Ministry to strengthen security arrangements at the New Bus Park and major highways, including increasing police patrols and deployment.
To prioritize passenger transport, heavy vehicles (12-wheel and above) will not be allowed to operate along the Daunne section of the Butwal–Narayanghat road during the Dashain period. However, vehicles carrying essential goods such as food and daily necessities will be permitted.
The Department of Roads has been instructed to keep key highways across the country in good condition, ensure adequate machinery and materials for landslide management, maintain two-way traffic along the Daunne section round the clock, clear obstructions at Twin Khola on the Narayanghat–Muglin road, and reopen the Tatopani border road before Dashain.
A public notice will also be issued urging citizens to travel only after assessing weather and road conditions. Additionally, the Department of Roads will appoint a 24-hour focal person to oversee nationwide road and safety management.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry, Directors General of the Department of Transport Management and the Department of Roads, Nepal Police, and representatives of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs.
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