Traffic volume rises across Kathmandu roads during festival

Traffic movement on major roadways throughout Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur became visibly heavier as residents moved to visit relatives for festival greetings. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office in Ramshahpath, the number of vehicles on the streets increased notably compared to the preceding two or three days, driven by people travelling to receive blessings and Jamra from elders. Police Superintendent Naresh Raj Subedi stated that despite the elevated volume of transport, vehicles continued to operate under normal conditions across all primary corridors and key entry points into the capital. The rise in movement followed the auspicious timing for receiving festival blessings, marking a sharp contrast in street activity relative to the earlier days of Phulpati, Ashtami, and Navami. Security agencies estimate that approximately 1 million people departed from Kathmandu during the holiday period. With the festival concluding, authorities anticipate a subsequent surge of travellers returning to the capital in the coming days and indicated that traffic management plans along main highways and entry points will be adapted to accommodate the homecoming traffic.