To manage the rush of passengers returning home for Dashain, the government is set to open advance ticket bookings for public vehicles starting from October 9.
The Department of Transport Management made the decision after holding discussions with transport entrepreneurs, workers’ organizations, traffic police, and other stakeholders.
Route permits have also been opened from Phulpati to Purnima to operate long- and medium-distance vehicles on a reserve basis depending on passenger traffic.
During Dashain, cargo vehicles prioritize the transportation of fruits, vegetables, medicines, goats, and essential food items and other essential supplies. The transportation of other goods will be postponed as needed, according to the department.
Passenger help desks have been established at various locations so that passengers do not face problems regarding tickets and fares.
Such desks are currently operational at 15 locations.
Committees comprising representatives from the Department of Transport Management, transport entrepreneurs, workers’ organizations, and traffic police have also been formed at main locations such as the Gongabu Bus Park, Koteshwar, and Balkhu.
Arrangements have been made so that passengers can report cases of overcharging, ticket black-marketing, or other problems to the help desks or to traffic police by dialing 100.
The department has instructed transport operators to sell tickets only at the prescribed fares and to control black-marketing carried out through middlemen.
Punya Prasad Sitaula, president of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, said that since 1.5 to 1.6 million passengers need to be managed in a short period, coordination among all stakeholders is necessary.
