Nearly 500,000 leave Kathmandu Valley to celebrate Dashain, roads thin out

About 496,000 passengers have left Kathmandu Valley from Ghatasthapana through Maha Ashtami to celebrate Bada Dashain, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office.

Data on those leaving in private vehicles has not yet been compiled. According to Subedi, the outbound traffic was heavier on Ashtami morning but gradually eased by afternoon. Crowds of passengers heading home were seen at New Bus Park, Machhapokhari, Kalanki, Balkhu, Koteshwor and Gaushala.

According to traffic police data, around 423,000 passengers had already left by Asoj 30. The crowds were heaviest between Asoj 25 and 30, with about 85,500 passengers leaving the valley on Asoj 29 alone. About 78,000 left on Asoj 27 and about 75,000 on Asoj 30.

As the number of departures has risen, passenger and vehicle pressure on the valley's roads and public transport has eased. After route permits were opened for medium- and long-distance vehicles, some local-route vehicles also carried passengers out of the valley on reserve trips.

Spokesperson Subedi said strict action is being taken against speeding and against driving under the influence of alcohol.