Hetauda, April 17:

Security personnel are ensuring a steady supply of food and fuel to the capital, where people have been hit hard by the scarcity of food and petroleum products due to the general strike called by the seven-party alliance.

Thirty trucks and oil tankers left Hetauda for the capital today, the District Police Office said. The vehicles carrying fuel and food supplies have been sent via Narayangarh from Hetauda to Kathmandu, it said.

Many people have been using the Hetauda-Bhimphedhi-Kulekhani-Phakhel-Pharping-Kathmandu road section to get to the capital. Some travellers started for the capital on foot while others were seen leaving on motorbikes early this morning. Passengers said they could avoid all risks if they left early in the morning. Meanwhile, the number of people walking the Hetauda-Birgunj road section spanning 56 km is increasing everyday.