Last Updated on October 19, 2026 by alizni
Dashain is the biggest and most eagerly anticipated festival in Nepal, bringing widespread celebrations, family reunions, and festive gatherings. However, alongside the joyful environment, the Kathmandu Valley faces a recurring challenge every year during this peak holiday season: a drastic shortage of public transportation. As driver operators, conductors, and transport workers head to their respective home districts to celebrate with loved ones, public vehicles virtually disappear from the streets of the capital city. To address this severe disruption and ease the daily movement of citizens, the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal has stepped in by providing a free bus service for the public.
This thoughtful civic gesture by the APF aims to cushion the impact of transport scarcity for residents, visitors, and essential workers who need to travel across the valley during the main days of Bada Dashain. By offering reliable and free transit, the security body is ensuring that mobility remains accessible even during the quietest transit days of the year.
Bridging the Transport Gap During Bada Dashain
During the peak days of Bada Dashain, Kathmandu undergoes a dramatic transformation. The usually bustling streets become noticeably empty as hundreds of thousands of people leave the valley to return to their ancestral homes. Consequently, private bus operators suspend their regular routes, leaving behind limited mobility options for those who stay in or visit the capital. Private taxis often become difficult to find or expensive, creating significant hardship for local commuters.
Recognizing the trouble faced by ordinary citizens—especially elderly individuals, families visiting relatives for Tika, and emergency travelers—the Armed Police Force initiated this free service as a social welfare measure. The initiative ensures that public life does not come to a complete standstill and that essential travel across major urban corridors remains available and stress-free.
Details of the APF Free Bus Service and Routes
According to information provided by Armed Police Force Nepal Co-spokesperson Shailendra Thapa, two dedicated buses have been deployed specifically for public transit within the Kathmandu Valley. These vehicles are operated directly by trained APF personnel and are provided completely free of charge to all passengers.
The service is designed to run over three core days of the festival period, coinciding with the timeframe when public transport availability reaches its lowest point. The buses navigate major arterial roads within the valley, linking key residential areas, medical hubs, and traditional transit junctions. Passengers can board these buses without any ticket requirements, providing immediate relief to anyone struggling to secure transportation.
The Role of Security Forces in Civic Welfare
While the primary responsibilities of the Armed Police Force encompass border security, disaster management, and internal law enforcement, civic assistance programs like this showcase their broader commitment to community support. In recent years, security agencies in Nepal, including the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and the Nepal Army, have periodically stepped up during national holidays and emergency situations to keep vital public services running.
This initiative has earned widespread praise from Kathmandu residents, who often find themselves stranded during major festive periods. By operating public transit during a period when commercial operators are offline, the APF effectively bridges the gap between public need and essential service delivery, building goodwill and strengthening trust between security institutions and the public.
Essential Travel Advice for Festival Commuters in Kathmandu
For those relying on public transit or traveling through the Kathmandu Valley during the Dashain holidays, keeping a few practical tips in mind can help ensure smooth journeys:
- Plan Journeys Early: Because overall traffic frequency is greatly reduced, public transport options operate on limited schedules. It is wise to leave early for family visits or scheduled appointments.
- Look Out for Security Service Vehicles: Keep an eye out for clearly marked buses operated by the Armed Police Force or other public security entities running on major Ring Road routes and city centers.
- Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Save contact numbers for local traffic police helplines and security units in case you encounter unexpected travel difficulties or require emergency assistance.
- Explore Alternative Shared Options: If you are traveling beyond the primary routes covered by security buses, check localized ride-sharing applications or community updates for available transport alternatives.
Conclusion
The decision by the Armed Police Force Nepal to run free bus services during Bada Dashain highlights the positive impact of public-centered welfare initiatives. By providing safe, free, and reliable transportation over three crucial days of the festival, the APF has helped ensure that citizens in the Kathmandu Valley can celebrate Dashain with ease, comfort, and peace of mind.