Passenger traffic at Kathmandu’s New Bus Park has increased as Dashain approaches, with people living in the capital for education, employment, and business returning to their hometowns for the festival. Public transportation services connecting Kathmandu with destinations across the country have experienced increased activity on both short- and long-distance routes.

Pankaj Malla, general manager of Lotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., which operates the New Bus Park, said 207,251 passengers departed from the terminal over the nine-day period from Ashoj 17 to 25. Daily departures included 18,729 passengers on Ashoj 17, 19,530 on Ashoj 18, 23,016 on Ashoj 19, and 29,602 on Ashoj 20.

Similarly, 22,288 passengers left on Ashoj 21, followed by 25,201 on Ashoj 22, 31,235 on Ashoj 23, 16,970 on Ashoj 24, and 29,380 on Ashoj 25. Ashoj 23 recorded the highest daily departure figure during the period, with 31,235 passengers leaving the terminal.

The growing travel rush has also created challenges for transportation operators. Deknath Gautam, general secretary of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, said road disruptions had affected vehicle movement and complicated passenger management. On Ashoj 23, the day advance bus ticket bookings opened, a section of the Prithvi Highway at Galaundi in Dhading subsided, disrupting traffic and leaving many vehicles stranded in Kathmandu.

The federation has urged passengers to travel only after purchasing tickets, pay the prescribed fares, and check vehicle conditions before departure. As people return home for Dashain, safe travel, proper ticketing, and effective transportation management remain important for handling the seasonal rush.