KATHMANDU: The number of people leaving the Kathmandu valley to celebrate the Dashain festival has surged, with over 109,636 passengers departing since Ghatasthapana. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, these passengers traveled out of the capital using 17,139 vehicles.

Of those who have left the valley, 41,946 are female and 67,690 are male. As residents who moved to the capital for studies, employment, or business head back to their hometowns, major exit points including Nagdhunga, Pharping, Thankot, Bhimdhunga, Tinpiple, Sankhu, Bhaktapur, and Bhattedanda have witnessed increased traffic congestion.

Senior Superintendent of Police Suresh Prasad Kafle, chief of the Valley Traffic Police, stated that officers are deployed around the clock to ensure passenger safety and minimize traffic accidents. “Traffic police are deployed on the roads 24 hours a day to ensure passenger safety and reduce accidents. Our goal is for everyone to have a successful and safe journey,” he said. He further advised both passengers and drivers to remain cautious, specifically regarding vehicle condition and driver health during long-distance travel.

The Department of Transport Management reports that major routes, including the Nagdhunga-Naubise road section, Muglin-Narayanghat road, Kanti Lokpath, and BP Highway, are currently operational in both directions. Punyaprasad Sitaula, president of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, noted that travel times may increase due to the high volume of traffic at main checkpoints. He advised passengers to plan their journeys with extra time. “With the increase in the number of people returning home for Dashain, there is additional pressure on roads and public transport leaving the valley. In such conditions, traffic rules, safe speeds, and vehicle capacity limits are being followed,” he added.