KATHMANDU: The flow of passengers at various checkpoints and the Gongabu bus park has increased significantly as the Bada Dashain festival approaches.
With people who reside in the capital for studies, employment, and business heading back to their hometowns, the areas around the bus park and major exit points have seen a surge in crowds.
Naresh Raj Subedi, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office and Superintendent of Police, stated that passenger pressure has risen in areas including the new bus park, Machhapokhari, Kalanki, Balkhu, Koteshwor, and Gaushala.
He added that traffic police are actively managing the movement to ensure smooth operations.
According to the office, 423,664 passengers have left the Kathmandu Valley since Ghatasthapana. The daily breakdown shows 52,827 passengers left on Oct. 11, 56,809 on Oct. 12, 78,138 on Oct. 13, 74,979 on Oct. 14, 85,561 on Oct. 15, and 75,350 on Oct. 16.
Travelers are exiting through Pharping, Nagdhunga, Thankot, Bhimdhunga, Tinpipple, Sankhu, Jagati, and Bhattedanda checkpoints.
Deknath Gautam, General Secretary of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, said that despite some challenges posed by road conditions, they are managing bus services in coordination with relevant agencies.
The federation has urged passengers to travel only with valid tickets, pay the prescribed fare, and remain mindful of vehicle safety.
The number of people leaving the capital for Dashain continues to rise every year as individuals return home to celebrate with family, relatives, and their communities.
