KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office deployed over 1,400 traffic personnel across fourteen transit corridors on Monday as more than 1.2 million citizens departed Kathmandu Valley through Nagdhunga and Jagati passes, instituting mandatory breathalyzer screenings and mechanical vehicle audits to prevent highway transit accidents ahead of Bada Dashain.
Dashain Festive Travel Fact Box
- Departed Passenger Volume: 1,240,000+ passengers over 96 hours.
- Deployed Force: 1,400+ Traffic Officers and civilian undercover marshals.
- Help Desks Operational: 14 passenger desks (Gongabu New Bus Park, Kalanki, Koteshwor, Nagdhunga).
- Attribution Authority: Routine of Nepal banda (RONB), Ekantipur, Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police.
How are traffic police monitoring ticket fares and overcharging at bus parks?
Plainclothes surveillance teams from the Department of Transport Management and police have established monitoring tents at major ticketing terminals. Over 50 touts and ticketing agents charging rates above statutory ministry tariffs have been apprehended, with unauthorized fare surpluses refunded directly to travelers.
"Overloading passenger buses or gouging vulnerable festive travelers will be met with immediate vehicle impoundment. Long-distance operators must enforce the statutory dual-driver mandate without exception."
— Senior Superintendent of Traffic Police, Valley Headquarters
What are the mandatory safety guidelines for long-distance bus operators?
Buses traveling routes exceeding six hours must register two certified drivers who rotate every four hours. Additionally, mechanical teams at Nagdhunga conduct mandatory brake fluid, pneumatic pressure, and tire tread inspections before approving downhill transit on the Prithvi Highway.
Where can departing passengers find official emergency help desks along exits?
Passengers encountering ticketing disputes or safety violations can report directly to desks at Gongabu Bus Park, Kalanki, Balkhu, Jagati, and Thankot, or dial the toll-free Traffic Police Hotline 103 or Emergency Line 100 for immediate roadside assistance.
