More than 56,800 passengers have left the Kathmandu Valley for their home districts in the last 24 hours as travel activity increases ahead of the Dashain festival.
According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, a total of 56,809 passengers exited the valley through its main gateways from Monday morning to Tuesday morning.
Many individuals who have been in the capital for work, studies, or business are returning home to celebrate Dashain with their families.
Ravindra Khanal, deputy superintendent of police at the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, shared the data with the National News Agency RSS.
Nagdhunga Sees Highest Passenger Count, Bhaktapur Route Follows
Of the total passengers, 27,649 used the Nagdhunga gateway, the busiest route.
The Bhaktapur route recorded the second-highest number of travelers, with 20,615 passengers.
Other gateways also saw significant outflows of people heading to various parts of the country.
The breakdown of passengers leaving the Kathmandu Valley includes:
- 27,649 through Nagdhunga
- 20,615 through Bhaktapur
- 5,510 through Pharping
- 972 through Teenpiple
- 886 through Bhattedanda
- 608 through Sankhu
- 513 through Bhimdhunga
- 56 through Thankot
Most travelers exiting the Kathmandu Valley are heading to different locations across the country.
Damaged Highways Disrupt Travel Plans
The increasing number of travelers has posed challenges for the transportation sector, as several highways are in poor condition.
Dekanath Gautam, general secretary of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, noted that the bad road conditions are hindering vehicle movement.
“The poor road conditions are negatively affecting the transport system,” Gautam stated.
He also mentioned that roadway disruptions are complicating operations for transport providers.
A section of the Prithvi Highway at Galaundi in Dhading collapsed on October 9, coinciding with the start of advance bus ticket sales, causing delays and leaving several buses stranded in Kathmandu.
The Prithvi Highway connects Kathmandu with various western Nepal destinations, and its deteriorating condition is impacting traffic flow during this festive season.
Transport Authorities Urge Travelers to Exercise Caution
As more people leave the Kathmandu Valley for various destinations, the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs advises travelers to take necessary precautions.
Travelers should purchase tickets at the correct price and check road and vehicle conditions before setting out.
Additionally, passengers are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys, as road conditions and traffic may cause delays.
Dashain Festival Sees Thousands Depart Kathmandu Valley
It is customary for people to leave the Kathmandu Valley for their home districts before the Dashain festival, spending the holiday with loved ones.
However, this mass movement places significant pressure on the transport sector and highways.
With over 56,000 passengers leaving the capital in just 24 hours, this year’s travel rush is clearly increasing.
The condition of highways and transport arrangements will be crucial as people begin their journeys to their home districts in the coming days.