The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office and the Department of Transport Management are collaborating to set 14 help desks to assist Dashain travellers across the valley
The Department of Transport Management, in collaboration with public transportation operators and traffic police, opened bookings for Dashain travel tickets on Saturday.
“Queues have been forming at New Bus Park since Saturday morning,” said Rajendra Prasad Bhatta, a police spokesperson.
The desks will provide ticket pricing information as well as handle passenger complaints.
Officials from Nepal Police, the transport department, the Department of Commerce, the Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs’ Associations, consumer groups, and trade unions affiliated with various political parties will staff each help desk.
Nagdhunga, Kalanki, Swayambhu, Machhapokhari, New Bus Park, Chabahil, Gaushala, Koteshwar, Jagati, Satdobato, Balkhu, Dakshinkali, Sundhara, and the Old Bus Park will all have help desks.
Furthermore, following Ghatasthapana on September 26, which marks the beginning of Dashain, traffic police will be checking long and medium route vehicles leaving the Valley at six different locations—Thankot, Nagdhunga, Jagati, Pharping, and Balaju Bypass, among others.
From the day of Ghatasthapana, the Department of Transport has already lifted the queue requirement (no route permit will be required).
“Traffic officers stationed at six different exit points will conduct mechanical fitness checks on public vehicles, particularly those that operate on Valley local routes,” Bhatta explained.
In addition, traffic officers have asked passengers to file complaints about overcharging by vehicles with the help desk or by dialing 103.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of passengers,” said Mira Chaudhari, the traffic police’s deputy inspector general.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of travelers.”
According to the traffic police office, up from 300,000 in 2020, as many as 600,000 people left the Valley for Dashain last year.
“Because the situation is stable this time, the number of people leaving the Valley is likely to increase,” Chaudhari predicted.
“People will not be taken advantage of by transportation companies this time.”
A long-distance bus will also require two drivers. According to Chaudhari, regular checks will be conducted to detect drunk driving and drug use by drivers.
