Traffic on Prithvi Highway lighter than usual during Dasain

While travellers continue to head from the capital to their home districts for the great Dasain festival, traffic on the Prithvi Highway this time appears markedly lighter than in previous years.

Because of the Dasain holidays, most small eateries and hotels along the highway are closed. However, the Machha Hotel in Malekhu and the Staff Hotel in Benighat are seeing a decent flow of travellers.

The presence of large cargo trucks on the road is negligible. In their place, more Hiace vans, private cars and green-plate tourist vehicles carrying passengers are seen plying the route. Motorcycle and scooter riders travelling in groups are also visible in large numbers.

Travel on some stretches of the highway has become risky, with dust blowing in some places and muddy roads in others. Potholes in various spots have made driving even more difficult, posing a particular hazard for two-wheeler riders at risk of skidding and falling.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Kathmandu and Pokhara will see partly cloudy skies today with no chance of rain. The department said light rain with thunder is likely tomorrow at one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.