Large cargo vehicles barred on Narayangadh-Kathmandu route for Dashain

The government has barred the movement of large freight carriers along the Narayangadh-Kathmandu road corridor for a duration of two weeks. This decision was finalised during a meeting of relevant stakeholders convened at the Department of Transport Management on Tuesday. Officials cited potential safety risks and congestion as high volumes of passenger transport navigate the key highway connecting the capital valley with other regions during the major festival. Under the newly enacted rules, heavy transport units and trailers will stay off the Narayangadh-Kathmandu route starting from Ghatasthapana on October 11 through to Purnima on October 25. Nevertheless, exceptions are in place for lorries transporting vital commodities such as medical supplies, food products and fresh fruits, allowing them unhindered access throughout the festive period. In a related development, transport regulators have officially opened route permits for passenger vehicles across the entire country for the duration of Dashain. The annual festival traditionally witnesses a surge in travellers leaving urban centres to celebrate with families, prompting authorities to implement targeted traffic management measures along arterial highway networks.