KATHMANDU: Street-based demonstrations and rainfall have triggered excessive traffic jam in the Kathmandu Valley.

Incidents of traffic congestions are high in the capital due to growing number of vehicles, narrowed road network, rainwater and recurring street-based demonstrations.

Spokesperson of Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, SP Surendra Prasad Mainali argued that the street-centric agitation, strike and rainfall coupling with vehicular pressure on the main roads of Kathmandu Valley, threw the traffic out of gear.

"Traffic jam is recurrently high mainly in Tripureshwor, Kalimati, Bhotebahal, Thapathali, Maitighar, Kalanki, Jamal, Keshar Mahal, Sorhakhutte, Balaju, Chabahil, Gwarko, Koteshwor and Jadibuti, among others, in the capital", he shared.

Normally, one has to stop at main thoroughfares of the Valley for 5-7 minutes at once. But, this may not be the case when there is rain and rally. The duration of the traffic jam may go for hours in the situation. "The flow of vehicles have gone higher on the roads during the opening and closing time of offices, which causes people to wait for a long time to get the traffic clear", he noted.

Besides, excessive traffic congestion has been caused by the high number of vehicles, road construction and rampant parking of vehicles, the MTPD further said.

There is no tarmacking of the road in Kalanki-Thankot, Chabahil-Sankhu and Balkhu-Dakshinkali area. In absence of proper traffic outlet, the street chaos is recurring in Tinkune, Tripureswor and Gongabu mostly during rain.

Traffic management has become more challenging in the Valley due to frequent travel by VIPs and VVIPs.