More than 207,000 passengers have departed from Kathmandu’s New Bus Park to return to their hometowns and villages for the Dashain festival, marking a significant increase in travel during this festive season.
According to Pankaj Malla, general manager of Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt Ltd, which oversees the bus park, a total of 207,251 passengers left between October 3 and 11. The peak travel day was October 9, with 31,235 passengers leaving the city.
On October 6 and 11, 29,602 and 29,380 passengers, respectively, also traveled from the New Bus Park.
Increased Travel During Dashain
Passenger numbers have surged at the New Bus Park in recent days. On October 3, 18,729 passengers left Kathmandu, rising to 23,016 on October 5 and 25,201 on October 8.
Covering 161 ropanis, the New Bus Park can accommodate 800 buses serving both local and long distance routes, making it one of Kathmandu’s busiest bus stations for travelers heading across the country.
Dashain, Nepal’s largest Hindu festival, sees countless Nepalis returning to their home districts to celebrate with family and friends.
Highway Disruptions Present Challenges
The high volume of travelers has led to disruptions on buses traveling between Kathmandu and other regions due to traffic congestion.
On October 9, a road slope at Galaundi in Dhading on the Prithvi Highway blocked many buses, according to Deknath Gautam, general secretary of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs. Numerous buses transporting passengers on this busy festival route became stuck, complicating transport operators’ efforts to get people to their destinations on time.
Safety Measures for Passengers
The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs recommends that passengers adhere to safety measures, including purchasing tickets in advance, avoiding extra charges, and checking bus conditions before boarding.
Travelers are also encouraged to plan their journeys and follow traffic regulations while on the highways. Additionally, it is advised to observe road safety protocols and steer clear of areas prone to landslides, potholes, and traffic jams.
The significant number of passengers leaving Kathmandu underscores the annual migration that occurs during Nepal’s festival season, presenting challenges for transport operators striving to ensure safe and timely travel.