KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 29

Come Dashain and lakhs of valley denizens head to bus stations to leave for their respective hometowns. This year, about 1.4 million people have already left the valley and many others will do so in the coming days with work places shut for holidays.

According to Deknath Gautam, spokesperson for the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, 1.2 million tickets were sold just through the advance booking system. 'Up to 800,000 people who purchased tickets in advance have left already, while the remaining 400,000 will leave the valley by October 2. An estimated 1.4 million people have left the valley from several checkpoints so far,' Gautam informed.

As per the agreement reached between the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Department of Transport Management, the Department of Roads, Traffic Police, Metropolitan Police, and FNNTE, inspections are being carried out to effectively monitor and manage the transport sector, as well as to create an easy and secure environment for commuters by ensuring the implementation of safety protocols to minimise risks of COVID-19.

'Through inspections, many people, including bus drivers driving under the influence and those found selling tickets at high prices through unauthorised counters, have been apprehended by the police and security officers,' he said.

The FNNTE has set up ticket booking counters at 14 places in the valley, including Gongabu, Kalanki, Koteshwor, Sundhara, and Chahabil. Gautam said efforts to maintain proper management and security to ease travel of commuters would continue in coordination with concerned stakeholders.

Superintendent of Police Sitaram Rijal, spokesperson for Kathmandu Valley Police Office, said over 7,500 security officers had been deployed across the valley for security and management purposes in view of the festive season.

'We have set up 28 help desks across the valley to inspect the transport sector, as well as to provide information regarding the right place to purchase tickets and board buses. As the number of long-distance buses is not enough to take commuters to their destinations, many local buses which run inside the valley are being used. We are also conducting mechanical testing of such vehicles to confirm they are safe. Owners of 107 faulty vehicles have been charged under the law so far,' Rijal told The Himalayan Times.

'Action has also been taken against three drivers who were driving under the influence. Regular checkpoints have been placed in coordination with the traffic authorities. Forty-two people were caught by traffic authorities for selling tickets illegally and selling fake tickets,' he added.

He urged people travelling out of the valley to be cautious and inform the police or their neighbours staying in the valley to keep an eye on their houses, as cases of burglary tend to shoot up around this time. Rijal also requested people to be vigilant against criminal activities.

A version of this article appears in the print on September 30, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.