Kathmandu: The Department of Transport Management has announced the temporary suspension of route permit requirements for public transport vehicles in anticipation of the upcoming Dashain festival. This decision aims to facilitate easier travel for the public during this festive period.
According to National News Agency Nepal, starting from September 22, public transport vehicles will not require route permits for a duration of two weeks. This decision was finalized during a meeting of relevant agencies held at the Department on Tuesday. The exemption will be effective from Ghatasthapana (September 22) to October 8, ensuring smoother public transit during the Dashain festival.
In addition to lifting the route permit requirement, advance ticket bookings will continue for both long and short routes. Transport entrepreneurs are instructed to manage online ticket bookings and collaborate with the concerned bodies to facilitate the movement of passenger vehicles in and out of the Kathmandu Valley.
The meeting also resolved that ticket counters should provide passenger tickets upon presentation of clear identity cards. Passengers are required to carry their tickets while traveling. Bijay Bahadur Swar, Chairman of the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs’ National Federation, stated that ticket counter staff would wear uniforms and carry identity cards. Unauthorized ticket counters will not be permitted to operate.
Furthermore, the decision includes a restriction on heavy equipment vehicles, except those transporting food and essential goods, from operating on the roadway from Narayanghat to Kathmandu from Ghatasthapana to Poornima, the final day of the Dashain festival. To support travelers, fifteen citizen help desks will be established at various locations in the Kathmandu Valley in collaboration with Sipradi-Nada.