Kathmandu, November 28

Metropolitan Traffic Police Division today said it would implement odd-even rule for two days during opening and closing ceremony of the South Asian Games scheduled to be held from December 1 to 10.

According to the new rule, vehicles with only odd number plates will be allowed to ply the roads inside the Ring Road during the opening ceremony of the mega sports event on December 1. Vehicles with even number plates will hit the roads on December 10, the day of closing ceremony of SAG.

MTPD has expressed its commitment to sound traffic management during SAG.  Authorities have also prohibited heavy vehicles from plying inside the Ring Road during the event. The odd and even rule, however, will not be applicable for emergency vehicles, VIP/VVIP movements, journalists and security bodies.

Superintendent of Police Rabi Kumar Poudel, MPTD spokesperson said more than 700 traffic police personnel would be deployed inside Ring Road during the event. He also urged all and sundry to cooperate with MTPD to facilitate traffic management during the mega sports event.

Nepal Police said special security arrangements were put in place for SAG.   Inspector General of Police Sarbendra Khanal said all security agencies were on high alert to prevent any untoward incident.

IGP Khanal, who is also head of the Security Committee for the event said, “Security arrangements have been made for special guests and players from Tribhuvan International Airport to hotels and in stadiums.” Police will also provide security to guests if they opted for sightseeing or shopping. At least 16,000 police personnel will man sporting venues in Kathmandu valley, while 1,000 each, will be mobilised in Janakpur and Pokhara.

He added extra caution is being taken to maintain peace and security during special gaming events.