Thousands leave Kathmandu as Dashain travel rush grows

KATHMANDU: The number of people leaving the Kathmandu Valley to celebrate Bada Dashain with their families has increased, with more than 348,000 passengers departing since Ghatasthapana (October 11).

People living in the capital for education, employment and other professional activities have begun returning to their hometowns and villages to celebrate the major Nepali festival with their families and relatives.

Passenger traffic has increased at various exit points in the valley, with public transport services experiencing a surge in demand on both short- and long-distance routes.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office said 348,314 passengers had left the valley between Ghatasthapana and the morning of October 10.

Passengers have been leaving the valley through various routes, including Pharping, Nagdhunga, Thankot, Bhimdhunga, Tinpiple, Sankhu, Jagati in Bhaktapur and Bhattedanda in Lalitpur.

With the growing number of people travelling home for Dashain, transport operators are facing challenges in managing services, partly because of road conditions.

Rajendra Acharya, treasurer of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs and president of the Nepal Microbus Company, said damaged roads and disruptions along major highways had complicated transport operations.

“During Dashain, damage to various national highways has made it difficult for vehicles to reach their destinations on time and return to Kathmandu as scheduled, creating problems in vehicle management,” he said.

Meanwhile, a total of 153,732 passengers have booked advance tickets for Dashain, according to the traffic police. The National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs has urged passengers to purchase tickets before travelling, pay only the prescribed fares and check the condition of vehicles before boarding.

The annual movement of people from Kathmandu to their hometowns increases during Dashain, as families reunite to celebrate the festival and strengthen bonds with relatives and communities.