Government Races to Repair Roads Ahead of Dashain as Millions Prepare to Leave Kathmandu

kathmandu | As the Dashain festival approaches, just a week away, the government is focusing on improving road conditions for the mass exodus from Kathmandu. It is estimated that between 1.5 to 1.8 million people will leave the capital during Dashain, with 5,000 to 6,000 public vehicles prepared to meet this demand. In response, the government has allowed pre-booking of bus tickets starting this Saturday, targeting those planning to travel outside Kathmandu.

Not only public transport but also millions of private two-wheelers and four-wheelers are expected to be on the move during the festival. However, concerns remain about the condition of the roads, which many experts say are not in good shape. While some areas are undergoing road construction and repairs, there is doubt whether the work will be completed in time for Dashain. In particular, the main route from Nagdhunga to Dhading is currently being upgraded, but it seems unlikely that it will be ready by the festival.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, has ordered rapid road maintenance to ensure safety, aiming to fill potholes and improve roads before Dashain. The Department of Roads claims that repairs are progressing quickly, and they are confident that much of the work will be finished before the festival. Umesh Bindu Shrestha, spokesperson for the department, said repairs are underway in areas under their jurisdiction, although some locations damaged due to water and electricity projects remain unfinished.

The ministry is also coordinating with transport operators, the Traffic Police, and local authorities to manage road safety and ensure smooth travel during the festive season. Discussions are ongoing about the implementation of an effective road improvement plan to minimise potential accidents during the peak travel period.

As part of this effort, a committee has been formed under Minister Dahal, involving ministers from all seven provinces, to oversee road safety measures. The goal is to make 3,856 kilometres of roads pothole-free by Dashain, with 772 kilometres already completed. However, the Nagdhunga road section, disrupted by tunnel construction, will not be finished before the festival, and travellers on the Mugling–Pokhara route may face some inconvenience.

Transport safety experts like Rajendra Raj Sharma point out that poor road quality, overloaded vehicles, and a lack of coordination between governmental bodies are ongoing problems, causing hardship for travellers every year. He emphasises that sustainable road construction requires higher quality standards and better research on geographical conditions.

Traffic Police spokesperson Bishwaraj Khadka said they are discussing how to handle the increase in travel and reduce accidents. Overcrowded vehicles, hurried travel, and poor road conditions are often causes of accidents during Dashain.

 A coordinated safety plan is in place to address these issues, with stricter vehicle checks and safety measures planned for the festival.