Kathmandu:Thousands are leaving the Kathmandu Valley to celebrate Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival, with family and friends in their hometowns and villages. The New Bus Park, a key transportation hub in the capital, is witnessing a significant outflow of passengers heading across the country.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Pankaj Malla, General Manager of Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., which manages the New Bus Park, reported that 207,251 passengers departed between October 3 and 11. The peak day was October 9, with 31,235 people leaving, while October 6 and 11 saw 29,602 and 29,380 departures, respectively.
The Bus Park, accommodating up to 800 buses for long and short distances, saw varying daily departures 18,729 on October 3, 19,530 on October 4, 23,016 on October 5, 22,288 on October 7, 25,201 on October 8, and a drop to 16,970 on October 10.
Transport operators are facing challenges due to the increased passenger numbers and highway disruptions. Deknath Gautam, General Secretary of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, highlighted that road subsidence at Galaundi in Dhading on October 9 disrupted traffic on the Prithvi Highway, stranding buses and complicating passenger management.
In response, the Federation advises travelers to book tickets in advance, pay only the official fares, and ensure vehicles are in good condition before traveling. The Dashain festival annually prompts extensive movement from urban areas like Kathmandu Valley to rural ancestral homes, offering a chance for families to reunite and celebrate together.