Dashain Travel Route Permits
17th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant move to facilitate seamless travel during the upcoming Dashain festival.
Dashain Travel Route Permits
The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has announced that route permits for public transport will be opened nationwide from Ghatasthapana until Ashoj 22.
This decision comes after a crucial meeting with transport stakeholders, aiming to ensure that the massive movement of people returning to their hometowns for the festive season is managed efficiently and safely.
The meeting, held at the DoTM headquarters, established a comprehensive plan to tackle the anticipated surge in travel demand.
A key part of this strategy is the continuation of the advance ticket booking system for medium- and long-distance travel. This initiative, which has proven effective in previous years, allows passengers to secure their seats well in advance, reducing last-minute chaos and uncertainty.
Transport operators have been instructed to prioritize online ticket booking to the greatest extent possible, promoting a more streamlined and accessible process for passengers.
Safety and Security: A Top Priority
Ensuring the safety and security of travelers is a primary concern for the authorities. In a bid to curb illegal and unregulated travel, it was decided that strict monitoring will be enforced on all vehicles carrying passengers in and out of the Kathmandu Valley.
This will be done in close coordination with relevant authorities, ensuring that only licensed and compliant vehicles are on the roads.
Furthermore, passengers are now required to travel with a valid ticket, and vehicles can only operate with a trip record issued from ticket counters.
This record must include detailed passenger identity information. Vijay Bahadur Swar, President of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, emphasized the commitment to preventing unauthorized activities.
“Strict measures will be taken to fully prevent unauthorized counters and individuals without proper ID or uniforms from selling tickets,” he stated, highlighting the industry’s zero-tolerance policy for rogue operators.
Prohibitions and Monitoring to Enhance Road Safety
To prevent traffic congestion and potential accidents, a temporary ban has been imposed on the movement of large, non-essential goods vehicles, including trailers, on the Narayanghat-Kathmandu route from Ghatasthapana until Purnima.
Vehicles carrying essential goods like food items are exempt from this restriction, ensuring the supply chain remains uninterrupted during the festival.
Beyond traffic management, a strong emphasis has been placed on the well-being of drivers. Authorities will conduct mandatory health checks for drivers entering and leaving the Kathmandu Valley, with a specific focus on detecting the use of alcohol and drugs.
Similarly, all long-distance passenger vehicles must undergo mandatory mechanical and safety checks before each departure. This proactive approach aims to minimize the risk of road accidents, which tend to increase during festive seasons due to higher traffic volume and potential driver fatigue.
Passenger Assistance and Oversight
To better assist the public, 15 citizen assistance desks will be established at major locations within the Kathmandu Valley. These desks, supported by Sipradi/NADA and in coordination with Kathmandu Metropolitan City, will serve as crucial points of contact for passengers needing help or information.
This measure underscores the collaborative effort between public and private sectors to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Additionally, the DoTM has announced the formation of monitoring teams comprising representatives from various concerned authorities.
These teams will conduct inspections throughout the festival period, with additional support from provincial transport-related ministries. This multi-agency approach ensures a robust system of oversight, guaranteeing that all regulations are followed and passenger rights are protected.
The collective measures are designed to not only ease travel logistics but also to build public confidence in the transport system during one of Nepal’s most important festivals.
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