KATHMANDU: Despite limited police visibility in Kathmandu during Dashain following the Gen-Z movement, law enforcement stepped up its presence during the Tihar festival, resulting in a relatively accident-free celebration across the Valley.
According to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, the heightened vigilance and deployment of officers across key intersections helped prevent serious accidents and maintain order during the festive period.
“On the day of Tihar, we recorded only 16 minor two-wheeler accidents across the Kathmandu Valley,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Nareshraj Subedi, spokesperson for the Division. “A team led by the traffic police chief was stationed on the streets throughout the day. Because of our proactive presence, there were no fatalities.”
Subedi added that 199 individuals were booked for driving under the influence (DUI) and 15 people sustained minor injuries during the festival period.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Navaraj Adhikari, chief of the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, said that strict safety measures were implemented during Tihar to minimize risks on the roads.
“We increased CCTV surveillance to monitor reckless driving and ensured a visible police presence across the city,” Adhikari said. “Our teams worked tirelessly to manage traffic flow in busy areas such as Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, New Bus Park, Koteshwor, Ratnapark, Kalanki, and Chabahil.”
Adhikari, who personally patrolled the streets during Tihar, lauded his officers for their commitment.
“Our duty is greater than the festival itself. Being on the streets to protect citizens and the nation is our way of celebrating Tihar,” he told his team.
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