Kathmandu, Sept 29: Booking for public transport during the Dashain and Tihar festivals is expected to open after October 1 or 2 (Asoj 15 or 16), but authorities will first assess road conditions following widespread damage caused by recent rains, floods and landslides.
The Department of Transport Management said no final date has been fixed because several highways remain damaged or disrupted. A meeting on Asoj 5 (September 21) had discussed opening bookings from October 1or 2after the weather improved, and road conditions were assessed.
Department Director Maniram Bhusal said a meeting with concerned agencies would be held within a few days.
“We will first assess road conditions and then decide when to open booking,” he said.
The department plans to prioritise online ticketing. Passengers unable to book online have been advised to buy tickets only from official transport company counters or authorised employees carrying identification.
Authorities are preparing for passenger numbers similar to last year’s festival season. Committees involving transport operators, traffic police and other agencies will be formed in different districts, while passenger help desks and health desks will operate at major points.
Help desks are planned at Thankot Nagdhunga, Koteshwar, Pharping, Kalanki, Balaju, Jagati and Sanga Bhanjyang.
No fare increase
The department said public transport fares will remain unchanged unless Nepal Oil Corporation changes petroleum prices. Operators charging above the government-fixed maximum fare will face action.
Passengers can check official fares through the department’s website and help desks and report overcharging to traffic police or other authorities.
Transport operators have also said they are not seeking a fare increase during the festivals.
Two drivers on routes over 250 km
Authorities will strictly enforce the requirement for two drivers on vehicles travelling more than 250 kilometres to reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue.
Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police spokesperson SP Naresh Subedi said transport operators have already been asked to comply with the provision.
Traffic police will also increase checks against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and monitor unauthorised ticket counters, overcharging, overselling of seats, duplicate tickets and passenger fraud.
Vehicles carrying passengers beyond their permitted capacity will also face scrutiny.
Road safety before ticket sales
Transport operators say uncertainty over road conditions is the main reason for delaying advance booking.
Saroj Sitaula, president of the Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, said safely transporting passengers should take priority over opening ticket sales.
Vehicles have remained stranded for extended periods in Dhading and other areas, with some reportedly stuck for between two and eight days.
“The road situation across the country remains uncertain,” Sitaula said. “For now, ensuring passengers travel safely is more important.”
The government also plans coordinated inspections involving the transport department, traffic police, Department of Roads and Department of Environment. Authorities will assess road conditions, vehicle fitness and pollution levels.
Traffic management will be strengthened not only on major highways and entry points but also around temples, commercial centres and other crowded areas.
The department said its festival transport plan will simultaneously focus on road safety, vehicle fitness, ticket management, fare monitoring and passenger assistance.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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