KATHMANDU, Oct 2: An estimated 43,574 to 65,361 public vehicles will be needed to manage the surge of passengers leaving Kathmandu Valley for Dashain this year, according to a study commissioned by a parliamentary committee.
The study, coordinated by Ashish Gajurel, chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the House of Representatives, projects that between 650,000 and 975,000 passengers will leave the Valley for the festival.
The House panel submitted the study report to Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal on Wednesday.
Passenger traffic is expected to remain high from Ghatasthapana to Navami, with roads and public transport likely to face the greatest pressure around Phulpati and the surrounding days, according to the study.
Traffic police recorded around 611,000 passengers leaving the Valley during Dashain last year, while the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs estimated the figure at around 1.9 million.
1.7 million people leave Kathmandu for Dashain celebration
An average of 8,101 vehicles left the Valley daily during last year’s Dashain period, while the highest number, 19,671 vehicles, left on Saptami. Although the overall number of public transport vehicles appeared adequate, the study found that regional imbalances between demand and supply created difficulties for passengers.
The study also identified delays caused by road conditions, vehicle schedules and traffic congestion as recurring problems during Dashain.
Other challenges include overcrowding at bus parks and roadside stops, traffic congestion, accidents, theft, black-marketing of tickets and fares, overloading, and drivers operating long hours without adequate rest.
The Valley Traffic Police Office plans to mobilize more than 1,300 personnel this year. It will also operate passenger assistance desks at 10 locations and conduct checks on long-distance traffic, vehicles and drivers.
The Department of Roads will keep heavy equipment and emergency response personnel ready at 18 locations to respond to possible accidents and disasters. Kathmandu Metropolitan City also plans to deploy municipal police to manage bus parks and roads.
The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs estimates that 1.5 million to 1.7 million passengers could leave the Valley this year and said it was preparing measures for vehicle management, monitoring and surveillance.
The study committee has recommended better management of ticket counters and advance bookings, vehicle fitness tests, measures to prevent overloading and overcharging, and action against ticket black-marketing.
It also recommended ensuring that long-distance drivers get adequate rest and that every vehicle carries first-aid supplies and fire extinguishers.
The report called for continuous updates on road conditions and the prompt deployment of heavy equipment and personnel to accident- and disaster-prone areas. It also stressed coordination and monitoring among the Department of Transport Management, traffic police and transport entrepreneurs.
For the long term, the committee recommended improving transport data collection and expanding technology-based systems, including smart vehicle fitness systems and digital ticketing.
The report also called for the establishment of a strong public transport authority to improve passenger management over the long term.
During the report submission, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal said the government would implement the recommendations through the concerned agencies.
-1790840895.webp)
