The Infrastructure Development Committee under the House of Representatives has issued five directives to the government to ensure safe, convenient and organized transportation during major festivals including Dashain, Tihar and Chhath.

At its meeting on Ashoj 12, the committee directed concerned authorities to manage public transportation considering the expected increase in passenger numbers, road conditions and potential travel risks during the festival period.

The committee has called for sufficient public vehicles to be deployed according to passenger demand and instructed authorities to operate vehicles only from designated bus parks. It has also directed that tickets be sold from designated locations and that passengers be picked up and dropped off only at safe locations.

The committee also called for passenger-friendly services for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, women and children, along with passenger assistance desks and other necessary support services.

Considering the expected rise in passenger traffic, authorities have been instructed to assess road conditions and potential risks in advance and keep alternative routes ready. The committee has also called for vehicle inspections, adequate rest for drivers and effective speed control.

It has further directed authorities to control overloading, effectively implement the integrated bus park policy and maintain coordination among relevant agencies.

Measures to Prevent Ticket and Fare Fraud

The committee has instructed the government to prepare an immediate action plan to prevent situations where passengers cannot obtain tickets, are charged more than the prescribed fare or face irregularities and fraud in ticketing.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has been directed to ensure easy ticket availability, effective implementation of prescribed fares and a strong mechanism for addressing passenger complaints.

Authorities have also been asked to take necessary measures to prevent passengers from being overcharged or provided with poor-quality food, drinking water and other essential goods during travel.

Earlier, the committee had formed a subcommittee on Ashoj 5 to help make public transportation simpler, safer and more organized during Dashain, Tihar and Chhath. Rajunath Pandey was also selected as a member of the subcommittee.

The committee has urged concerned authorities to give particular attention to passenger management, road safety, vehicle conditions, ticketing and fare systems, and basic passenger facilities during the festival period.