KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 16

Advance booking for long-distance Dashain bus tickets will begin only after officials confirm road conditions are safe, the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs announced on Monday.

During a meeting at the Department of Transport Management, federation chair Vijay Bahadur Swar said landslides and damage from earlier heavy rains and last week's Gen Z protests have delayed preparations. 'If we open booking too early and buses cannot return due to road problems, it creates more trouble,' Swar explained. 'However, passengers can still buy tickets a few days in advance directly at bus parks.'

The Transport Ministry, Traffic Police, and transport operators have been in discussions since Sunday to finalize a booking date. Normally sales would already be open, but the violent protests, curfew, and travel bans last week disrupted schedules.

Department Director General Rajiv Pokharel noted that most damaged highways are now being repaired and major routes are passable unless there is new heavy rain. He urged operators to prioritize online ticketing, maintain vehicles, avoid overloading, and keep fares transparent.

Police have also pledged strong security to ensure travelers reach their destinations safely.

Millions are expected to leave the Kathmandu Valley for Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, with an even heavier rush anticipated as those who were stranded during the protests join the festival exodus.

The ongoing rainfall in Kathmandu Valley and other areas over the past two days has heightened fears of landslides, raising concerns about possible road blockages.

(With inputs from RSS)