800,000 passengers leave Kathmandu Valley for Dashain celebrations

Kathmandu, October 10 — According to the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, around 800,000 passengers have left the Kathmandu Valley for Dashain celebrations so far. The federation estimates that approximately 1 million passengers will travel out of the valley this year.

The federation's Chairman, Bijay Swar, stated that while an estimate of 1.5 to 1.8 million passengers was projected to leave the valley for Dashain, the number has been lower due to road obstructions caused by landslides and flooding.

"The roads are in poor condition, and the public is facing difficult journeys," he noted. "Many people with homes outside the valley are planning to celebrate Dashain in Kathmandu this year, and some have even traveled by air."

He added that as the flow of travelers leaving the valley for Dashain will continue until Friday, it is still unclear how many passengers will ultimately depart. "Today, many passengers are leaving, and this trend will continue until evening and also on Friday," Swar said.

Traffic police spokesperson Bishwaraj Khadka mentioned that due to the increase in travel during Dashain, check points are being set up on highways to reduce the risk of road accidents.