600,000 to 1 million expected to leave Kathmandu Valley for Dashain, fares now online

The House of Representatives' Infrastructure Development Committee estimates that around 600,000 to 1 million passengers will travel from Kathmandu Valley to their home districts for Dashain this year.

A team led by committee chairperson Ashish Gajurel submitted a report on public transport management for Dashain to Prime Minister Balen Shah and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sunil Lamsal.

According to the report, around 45,000 to 68,000 passengers will leave the Valley on the day of Ghatasthapana. The heaviest rush is expected on Phulpati, when the number is projected to reach around 113,000.

More than 7,000 vehicles will be deployed to carry these passengers. Transport entrepreneurs, however, estimate the actual number of passengers will be even higher.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transport Management has launched a 'fare search' feature on its website. Passengers can now check fares to their destination from any location. Previously, there was no such facility to publicly check fares.