Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by alizni
The festive excitement of Bada Dashain has arrived in full force, transforming Kathmandu Valley as hundreds of thousands of residents depart the capital to celebrate with family in their native home districts. Known as the largest and most cherished festival in Nepal, Dashain traditionally triggers an unprecedented annual migration. Streets that are usually clogged with daily urban traffic are rapidly emptying, while the exit routes out of the capital are experiencing massive holiday congestion.
Official records highlight the immense scale of this annual homebound journey. According to data provided by the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, a staggering total of 576,578 passengers have departed the capital since Ghatasthapana, the formal beginning of the Dashain festival. This massive migration was recorded across tens of thousands of long-distance public and private vehicles navigating through the key exit transit points surrounding the valley.
Surging Numbers: Over 576,000 Passengers Depart the Capital
The exodus from Kathmandu Valley accelerates significantly each day leading up to Fulpati and Vijaya Dashami. Traffic records indicate that 79,676 vehicles of various categories—including long-route passenger buses, microbuses, jeeps, and private light vehicles—were utilized to transport over half a million citizens out of the valley within a matter of days.
Transport operators and authorities report that the daily passenger count has steadily increased since the auspicious day of Ghatasthapana. As corporate offices, educational institutions, and government facilities close down for the extended holiday break, the daily departure rate is anticipated to spike even higher over the coming days, reaching peak capacity prior to the main days of the festival.
Major Exit Points and Road Infrastructure Dynamics
Leaving the Kathmandu Valley during the festive rush presents a major logistical operation. Traffic congestion is heavily concentrated around primary highway hubs, particularly Nagdhunga, Jagati, Koteshwor, and Pharping. Nagdhunga remains the primary gateway for travelers heading toward the Prithvi Highway, connecting the capital with western, central, and southern districts of Nepal.
Similarly, the Koteshwor-Jagati corridor serves as the primary artery for commuters traveling via the BP Highway and the Araniko Highway toward eastern provinces. Despite recent maintenance efforts following monsoon-induced landslides, long queues of vehicles have been observed during morning and evening departure hours. Transit police officers have been mobilized continuously along critical bottleneck points to ensure smooth traffic movement and prevent severe jams.
Traffic Police Initiatives for Safe Holiday Travel
To manage the intense surge in vehicle volume, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has deployed additional personnel across strategic transit corridors. Authorities are focusing on enforcing road safety regulations, monitoring vehicle conditions, and curbing excessive fares charged by unauthorized transport vendors.
- Help Desks: Passenger assistance and help desks have been established at major bus terminals, including Gongabu New Bus Park, Kalanki, Koteshwor, and Balkhu, to address passenger grievances immediately.
- Speed and Overload Checks: Traffic checkpoints are conducting rigorous inspections to ensure long-distance buses do not carry passengers beyond legal seat capacity or overload roof racks with excessive luggage.
- Breathalyzer Testing: Long-route drivers are subjected to routine alcohol and substance tests at major highway checkpoints to lower the risk of accidents caused by driving under the influence.
Travel Tips for Homebound Passengers During Dashain
For those still planning their journey out of Kathmandu Valley in the coming days, adequate preparation is essential for a safe and hassle-free trip:
1. Book Tickets from Official Counters: Always purchase travel tickets directly from designated ticketing counters or verified digital ticketing apps to avoid overcharging and counterfeit tickets.
2. Allow Extra Travel Time: Due to heavy traffic at highway exit nodes and ongoing road maintenance along major routes, journeys may take longer than usual. Plan departures with extra time buffers.
3. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Note down key emergency numbers, including the Traffic Police hotline (103), local police emergency numbers, and highway rescue services.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating Safely
As the capital city gradually quiets down, the focus shifts to ensuring that every traveler reaches their hometown safely. The departure of over 576,000 citizens in such a short window underscores the deep cultural importance of Dashain in bringing families together across Nepal. Transport authorities and traffic police continue to urge drivers to practice patient, disciplined driving on highway corridors to guarantee a secure and joyful holiday season for all.