Last Updated on October 27, 2026 by alizni
The Dashain festival, Nepal’s most celebrated national holiday, is traditionally a time for family reunions, joy, and travel. However, the recent festive period in 2024 was marred by a series of tragic road accidents that have left the nation in mourning. According to official data released by the Nepal Police, the period between October 11 and October 25 (Ashoj 25 to Kartik 8) saw a staggering number of casualties on the country’s highways and urban roads.
The Human Cost of Festive Travel
The latest report from the Police Headquarters indicates that 124 individuals lost their lives in various road accidents during the Dashain period. Beyond the fatalities, the statistics are equally alarming, with 2,988 people sustaining injuries of varying degrees. These figures serve as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in Nepal’s road network during peak travel seasons when traffic volume increases exponentially as citizens head to their ancestral homes.
Central Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Abinarayan Kafle, confirmed these figures, noting that the spike in traffic and the rush to reach destinations often lead to compromised safety standards. The sheer volume of vehicles on the road, combined with challenging terrain and weather conditions, creates a high-risk environment for both public transport passengers and private vehicle owners.
Contributing Factors to Rising Accident Rates
Several factors contribute to the increased frequency of road accidents during the Dashain holiday. One of the primary concerns is the pressure on public transport operators to make multiple trips to accommodate the surge in travelers. This often leads to driver fatigue, as professionals are pushed to work long hours without adequate rest. When combined with the poor condition of certain road sections, the risk of human error increases significantly.
Furthermore, speeding and overtaking on narrow, winding mountain roads remain leading causes of accidents. Many travelers, eager to reach their destinations in time for the main festivities, often overlook safety protocols. Additionally, the lack of strict enforcement of traffic regulations in rural areas, coupled with vehicles that may not be properly maintained for heavy-load long-distance travel, exacerbates the situation. The combination of these variables creates a perfect storm for accidents that could otherwise be prevented with better planning and increased vigilance.
Prioritizing Road Safety for Future Festivals
The tragic loss of 124 lives is a wake-up call for both the government and the general public. To reduce the frequency of such incidents, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes better road maintenance, stricter oversight of public transport speed and driver logs, and widespread public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of reckless driving.
For travelers, the message is clear: arriving safely is far more important than arriving quickly. Pre-trip vehicle inspections, ensuring drivers are well-rested, and avoiding unnecessary risks on dangerous stretches of road are essential steps. Furthermore, the authorities must consider implementing more robust traffic management strategies, such as increased highway patrolling during peak holidays, to discourage law-breaking and provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies.
Conclusion
The high number of casualties during this year’s Dashain festivities is a heartbreaking statistic that impacts countless families across Nepal. As the country moves forward, it is imperative that we prioritize road safety as a national concern. By fostering a culture of caution, enforcing stricter traffic laws, and improving infrastructure, we can hope to make future festive seasons times of celebration rather than sorrow. Let these numbers serve as a catalyst for meaningful change on our roads.