In Nepal’s federal capital, Kathmandu, advance booking of bus tickets for Dashain is expected to open from September 28, pending a meeting between the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) and representatives of the National Federation of Nepalese Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE) scheduled for Tuesday.

The advance ticket booking would be available for long and medium-distance passengers.

Dashain’s first day, Ghatasthapana, falls on October 3 this year. Around 1.4 million people are anticipated to leave the Kathmandu Valley during Dashain to reunite with their families and friends.

Kathmandu, Nepal’s largest urban agglomeration, has a population of about 5 million people, with the Valley’s total population exceeding 4 million in 2024. A significant portion of this population consists of migrants from other parts of Nepal.

On Saturday, a meeting chaired by Minister Devendra Dahal resolved seven key points related to the demands of transport entrepreneurs, aimed at ensuring safe travel during the festival season.

According to the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, the government of Nepal has called for a meeting on Tuesday to finalize the date for opening advance bookings for Dashain and Tihar.

The Federation has urged the government to prioritize the maintenance of roads damaged by floods, landslides, and monsoon rains, particularly sections like the Prithvi Highway, Dhalkebar on the East-West Highway, the Araniko Highway, and roads in Nuwakot, which require urgent repairs to ensure accident-free bus services.

By – Sweta Singh (Kathmandu)