Nearly 15 Lakhs People Expected to Leave Kathmandu Valley for Dashain

Around 15 Lakhs (1.5 million) passengers are projected to travel out of the Kathmandu Valley this year to celebrate the major Hindu festival “Dashain”. Public transport will carry the vast majority, with approximately 10 lakhs (1 million) travellers expected to rely on long distance buses and public vehicles.

The overwhelming surge in outgoing traffic presents a major operational challenge for authorities overseeing road safety and travel logistics. These projections and travel dynamics were highlighted in a technical study titled "Public Transport Travel Management Report for Dashain 2083." The document was prepared by the Parliamentary Infrastructure Development Committee in technical collaboration with the Society of Transport Engineers Nepal (SOTEN).

Formulated under the leadership of Committee Chairman Ashish Gajurel, the study relies on a comprehensive assessment of traffic data, real time road conditions, and an online survey among outgoing passengers to guide festival traffic management.

The report outlines that 55% of the vehicle leaving from Kathmandu is via Nagdhunga Check Post and remaining 45% vehicles are leaving via Sanga check post and Pharping check post.