KATHMANDU: With the start of Dashain festival, the flow of the festival celebrators leaving Kathmandu Valley for their home town is increasing.

Approximately 317,000 people left the Valley in just three days since the festival began after observing Ghatasthapana, according to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division.

People have been using Nagdhunga, Jagati, and Pharping entry and exit points for the same, said Chief of the Division Sarbendra Khanal.

Normally, around 80,000 people leave the valley in other days, the number of people leaving Kathmandu is increasing with the start of Dashain festival, said Khanal.

A total of 94,340 people left Kathmandu on the day of Ghatasthapana while 107,078 people on the second day and 111,734 on the third day.

General Secretary of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs Saroj Sitaula said around 6,000 public vehicles have been deployed for providing service to the passengers leaving the valley for the festival.

Approximately 2.1 million people will leave the valley for the festival this year, estimates the Department of Transport Management.