Nepal opens nationwide route permits for Dashain travel

Transport authorities have decided to open vehicle route permits nationwide from Ghatasthapana until Purnima to ease travel for passengers during the festival period. According to the department, advance ticket bookings are set to open on 23 Ashwin following a meeting with stakeholders. Officials stated that the measures aim to ensure passengers can reach their destinations safely and without facing difficulties in securing tickets or experiencing unnecessary trouble during their journeys. The department mentioned that specific route bans on certain sizes and types of public vehicles due to special road conditions will remain in place. Department Director General Rajib Pokharel stated that preparations for transport management, ticket arrangements, road condition monitoring, and passenger safety are underway in coordination with relevant bodies to handle the high volume of travellers heading from urban centres to their home villages. In addition to nationwide permit relaxations, specific restrictions have been introduced for major freight carriers. Large cargo vehicles and trailers will be barred from operating along the specific road section starting from 25 Ashwin through to 8 Kartik. Officials clarified that vehicles transporting essential supplies such as medicines, food products, and fruits will be permitted to move freely along the route during this restricted period. The decisions come in response to the major influx of travellers leaving Kathmandu and other cities for Dashain celebrations. Authorities emphasized that transport operations, safety measures, and ticket management are receiving special attention to accommodate the seasonal rush and maintain order across transport networks throughout the festival duration.