Estimated 800,000 People to Leave Kathmandu Valley Amid Extended Election Holidays

Kathmandu. An estimated 800,000 people are expected to leave the valley due to the long holidays coinciding with the elections. With nearly a week of public holidays around the election period, a large number of people are preparing to leave Kathmandu.

The government has announced three days of public holidays on Falgun 20, 21, and 22 for the general elections. Additionally, there is a holiday for Fagu Purnima in the hilly regions on Falgun 18, and in the Terai region on Falgun 19. Falgun 23 is a Saturday, and Falgun 24, which is March 8, is International Women's Day. With holidays spanning seven days from Falgun 18 to 24, many are preparing to travel outside the valley next week, similar to the Dashain and Tihar festivals.

According to transport entrepreneurs, the exodus from the valley has already begun. Punya Prasad Sitaula, acting chairman of the National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs of Nepal, stated that the public transport system is starting to see increased pressure due to the 6-7 days of public holidays. He mentioned that long-distance buses are crowded until the 19th.

Sitaula added that there will be unbearable crowds on the 17th, 18th, and 19th. Many people have even started reserving vehicles.

Rajiv Pokharel, Director General of the Department of Transport Management, stated that citizens will be safely transported to their destinations via public transport without interruption. He added that if necessary, the government will utilize vehicles from the Nepal Army, schools, and colleges to operate services.