Key Takeaways:

• Advance ticket booking will open from Oct 9
• Authorities are preparing for increased passenger movement during Dashain
• Transport operators and security agencies are being brought into the preparations
• Officials aim to make travel easier, safer and more organized

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 6 Advance ticket booking for passengers travelling home for Dashain will open from October 9, as authorities step up preparations to manage the seasonal surge in travel from Kathmandu to various districts. The decision was taken at a meeting at the Department of Transport Management on Tuesday attended by Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs' National Federation Chairman Punya Prasad Sitaula, department Director General Rajiv Pokharel and other officials. Following the meeting, Pokharel said advance booking would open from October 9 to ensure passengers can travel conveniently, safely and in an organised manner during the Dashain period. Speaking to journalists, he said preparations were underway for transport management during the festival. According to the department, priority is being given to advance ticket booking, vehicle management and passenger services as travel demand is expected to rise significantly in the coming weeks. Pokharel said coordination was being carried out with concerned government agencies, transport entrepreneurs and security agencies to create an environment that allows passengers to reach their destinations safely and conveniently. He added that necessary arrangements would be made to ensure transport services remain orderly amid the anticipated increase in passenger numbers. The Department of Transport Management said the advance booking system is intended to reduce inconvenience for travellers, improve access to tickets and facilitate safer travel during Nepal's biggest festival season.