Kathmandu, October 6
Advance ticket booking for public transport for the upcoming Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals will open from October 9.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held at the Department of Transport Management on Tuesday among representatives of relevant agencies.
The meeting, organised by the department, brought together representatives of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, transport workers’ organisations, Nepal Police, Traffic Police and Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt Ltd, the operator of the New Bus Park. Dipak KC, president of the All Nepal Transport Workers’ Organisation, said the participants agreed to open advance ticket booking from October 9 to facilitate passengers leaving Kathmandu Valley during the festive season.
More than one million passengers are expected to leave Kathmandu Valley during Dashain this year. The decision is expected to ease uncertainty among passengers caused by the lack of an advance booking system, with only some transport companies currently offering online booking.
The meeting also made several decisions to improve passenger safety, convenience and transport management. Long-distance vehicles will now be required to have two drivers. Ticket-counter staff must wear uniforms and identification cards, while passengers’ names and contact numbers must be recorded when tickets are issued.
The department warned that anyone charging fares above the prescribed rates, engaging in black marketing or committing irregularities in ticket sales would face legal action. The government, transport entrepreneurs and security agencies will coordinate to ensure a transparent ticketing system.
According to KC, a central information centre will also be operated to facilitate information sharing on safe travel and road blockages or accidents. All passenger vehicles must carry first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers, drinking water and other essential facilities.
Participants also stressed the need for effective mobilisation of security personnel to manage heavy crowds at bus parks and ticket counters and prevent passengers from facing difficulties due to a lack of tickets.
