Government’s 7-point plan for safer Dashain journeys 

To make travel easier during Dashain, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, made several decisions on Saturday. Ghising, who is also the Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation as well as Urban Development, took seven point decisions after discussing with various stakeholders to solve road-related problems.

Minister Ghising directed that during Dashain, passenger vehicles leaving Kathmandu will operate through the Nagdhunga tunnel route, and large vehicles (12-wheelers and above) will be restricted from operating along the Daunne section of the Butwal–Narayangadh road. However, vehicles transporting essential goods, including food supplies, will be allowed continuous movement, the ministry stated. He also directed the concerned authorities to set up a system to receive complaints and provide updates on road conditions 24 hours a day, and to ensure immediate restoration in case of road blockages caused by landslides or other disruptions.

 It was decided to request the Ministry of Home Affairs to direct Nepal Police for increasing patrolling and deployment of additional security personnel at Kathmandu’s New Bus Park and along various highways across the country to improve security. Minister Ghising instructed the Department of Roads to manage the necessary equipment and machinery for landslide management in order to keep the country’s main roads smooth, functional, and improved. He also directed that two-way traffic along the Daunne section be operated around the clock. Similarly, the Department has been instructed to immediately clear the obstruction (landslide) at Tuiun Khola along the Narayangadh–Muglin road section and resume traffic, as well as to bring the main road connecting the Tatopani border point into operation before Dashain. A decision has been made to issue a public notice requesting citizens to travel only after being informed about the weather and road conditions. He also instructed the Department of Transport Management to prepare procedures/guidelines regarding making public vehicles safer and more technology-friendly, and to submit them to the ministry at the earliest. The Department of Roads has been instructed to assign a focal person in the control room, to be operated 24 hours a day, in order to manage road conditions and safety. Transport entrepreneurs estimate that around 2 million passengers will leave the Kathmandu Valley during the festival period alone. At present, many passengers have already left as campuses are on holiday, while the New Bus Park is currently crowded with travelers.