Kathmandu, September 28
Traffic police have intensified vehicle inspections and monitoring across Kathmandu Valley as the major festive season approaches, citing increased passenger movement and the risk of ticket fraud and traffic violations.
Naresh Raj Subedi, superintendent of police and spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, said monitoring has been stepped up as passenger movement across the country is expected to increase significantly during the festive period.
He said unauthorised individuals without identification could sell bus tickets, charge passengers excessive fares, issue more tickets than the vehicle’s seating capacity or sell multiple tickets for the same seat.
Traffic police are also concerned about violations arising from speeding, overloaded vehicles and unhealthy competition between vehicles on the roads.
Passenger help desks at key locations
Subedi said passenger help desks will be established at major locations across Kathmandu Valley to prioritise passenger safety and facilitate joint inspections and monitoring.
Help desks will be set up at bus parks, Chabahil, Koteshwor, Chapagaun, Balkhu, Pulchowk, Nagdhunga, Kalanki, Bhimdhunga and Sankhu, among other locations.
Vehicles will undergo mechanical inspections as part of the monitoring drive, while pollution checks will also be carried out.
Traffic police said the legal requirement for long-distance vehicles to have two drivers will be strictly enforced.
Monitoring of drunk driving will also be intensified during the festive season, with traffic police using breathalysers to check drivers.
Traffic police will maintain a presence on major roads during both daytime and nighttime to strengthen road safety and provide assistance to commuters.
Parking management at temples
Traffic police will also be deployed around temples and other religious sites where large crowds of devotees are expected during the festive period.
Parking arrangements will be managed at such locations to help prevent congestion and maintain smooth traffic flow.
The traffic office said a coordinated mechanism involving civil police, traffic police, the Department of Transport Management, Department of Roads and the metropolitan police will be mobilised for the festive-season traffic management drive.
