Himal Hub/ Passenger movement from Kathmandu has increased ahead of Dashain, with more than 200,000 departures reported from the capital’s Gongabu New Bus Park during the nine days from October 3 to 11.
Pankaj Malla, general manager of Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., which operates the bus park, reported that 207,251 passengers had departed during the period, according to reports published by Radio Nepal and other Nepali news outlets.
However, the daily departure figures published alongside the total do not reconcile with the reported count. The nine figures add up to 215,951, a difference of 8,700 passengers. The reason for the discrepancy has not been established, so the overall figure requires further verification. The reported count also covers the New Bus Park only, not all departures from Kathmandu Valley.
Festival Travel Increases Passenger Pressure
Students, employees and people involved in business and other professions have begun returning to their hometowns and villages to celebrate Dashain with family members and relatives.
The increase in passenger movement has placed additional pressure on public transportation services, particularly long- and medium-distance routes connecting Kathmandu with other parts of the country.
Advance bus ticket bookings for Dashain opened on October 9. Transport operators and authorities have been preparing for the annual festive rush, when large numbers of people travel out of the capital over a relatively short period.
Road Disruptions Complicate Travel
Road conditions have added to the challenges facing transport operators. According to the account provided by Dekanath Gautam, general secretary of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, a section of the Prithvi Highway near Galaundi in Dhading subsided on October 9, disrupting traffic movement.
The disruption occurred on the day advance bus ticket bookings opened and left several vehicles stranded in Kathmandu, complicating passenger and vehicle management during the busy travel period.
The incident underlines the importance of maintaining road access and managing traffic effectively during major festivals, when demand for public transportation rises sharply.
Passengers Urged to Follow Safety Measures
The transport federation has advised passengers to purchase tickets before travelling, pay only the prescribed fares and check vehicle conditions before beginning their journeys.
Passengers can also use designated ticket counters and available online booking services to arrange travel in advance. Authorities have established passenger assistance desks at major departure points in Kathmandu Valley to help travellers during the festive period.
As Dashain approaches, safe road conditions, reliable transport services and effective passenger management remain essential to ensuring orderly travel.
The latest reports indicate a substantial festive travel rush at Gongabu New Bus Park, although the precise number of departures during the reporting period remains uncertain because of inconsistencies in the published figures.
