KATHMANDU: More than 262,000 people have left the Kathmandu Valley since Ghatasthapana to celebrate Dashain with their families in their hometowns.
According to Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Chief and Senior Superintendent of Police Suresh Prasad Kafle, a total of 262,075 people had left the Valley by Wednesday, travelling in 37,964 vehicles.
The number of people leaving Kathmandu has increased in recent days, with growing crowds at bus parks and major exit points as residents who live in the valley for education, employment and other professional commitments return home for the festival.
Of those who have left the valley, 161,167 are men and 100,908 are women, according to the figures provided. The number of passengers travelling on both long- and short-distance public transport services has also risen as Dashain approaches.
The increase in passenger numbers has led to heavier traffic at major checkpoints on the outskirts of the valley. People heading to various districts are leaving in public buses and other vehicles through checkpoints including Nagdhunga, Pharping, Thankot, Bhimdhunga, Tinpiple, Sankhu, Bhaktapur and Bhattedanda.
Traffic police have intensified efforts to manage vehicle movement and ease congestion at these exit points as the festive rush continues.
With public transport demand rising during the festival season, traffic police and transport operators say they have strengthened vehicle inspections and other safety measures to ensure passengers can travel safely and comfortably.
Kafle said traffic police personnel have been deployed on roads around the clock to protect passengers and reduce the risk of accidents during Dashain and Tihar.
“We have deployed traffic police on the roads 24 hours a day to ensure passenger safety and minimise traffic accidents. Our aim is to help everyone reach their destination safely,” he said.
He also urged passengers travelling long distances to pay attention to vehicle conditions, drivers’ health and driving hours. He said greater caution from both drivers and passengers could help prevent road accidents during the festive period.
According to the Department of Transport Management, two-way traffic is currently operating along major road sections, including Nagdhunga–Naubise, Muglin–Narayangadh, Kanti Lokpath and the BP Highway.
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