Key Takeaways:

• More than 56,800 people left Kathmandu Valley in 24 hours
• Nagdhunga recorded the highest number of Dashain travellers
• Damaged highways and road disruptions are delaying journeys
• Transport operators urge advance ticket booking and fare vigilance

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 12 More than 56,800 people left the Kathmandu Valley in the past 24 hours as Dashain travel gathered pace, with Nagdhunga recording nearly half of all departures. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, 56,809 people exited the Valley through eight checkpoints. Nagdhunga saw the highest outflow with 27,649 departures, followed by Bhaktapur with 20,615 and Pharping with 5,510. The festive migration comes as thousands of people working and studying in the capital return to their hometowns for Nepal's biggest festival. Traffic and transport operators, however, warn that damaged roads and disruptions along major highways are making journeys longer and more difficult. Transport entrepreneurs say highway obstructions, particularly on the Prithvi Highway, have stranded vehicles and inconvenienced passengers despite advance ticket bookings. They have urged travellers to purchase tickets in advance, pay only approved fares and check vehicle conditions before setting out.