Dashain Travel Rush: Ministry of Transport to Discuss Advance Ticket Booking Today

14th September 2025, Kathmandu

With the joyous festival of Dashain just around the corner, millions of Nepalis are preparing to leave the Kathmandu Valley to celebrate with their families in their hometowns and villages.

Dashain Advance Ticket Booking

This mass exodus creates an annual logistical challenge, and the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has stepped in to address it.

A crucial meeting has been called for today, Sunday, to discuss and finalize the opening of advance ticket booking for public transport.

The meeting will bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry, the Department of Transport Management, traffic police, and transport entrepreneurs from the Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs.

The main agenda is to set a concrete date for the commencement of advance ticket sales, a decision that will be eagerly awaited by thousands of passengers.

Every year, the period leading up to Dashain sees a significant surge in demand for long-distance bus tickets. The opening of advance booking is a critical step to ensure a smooth and orderly travel process.

It helps to manage the immense crowd at bus parks and minimizes the risk of passengers being stranded or overcharged. The authorities are keen on making this year’s travel as safe and hassle-free as possible.

According to a representative from the Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, transport operators are ready to open advance ticket booking.

However, their primary condition is a guarantee of a “safe and passenger-friendly environment.” This condition highlights several key concerns that need to be addressed before the ticket counters officially open.

One of the major issues is the condition of Nepal’s highways. The monsoon season, which often coincides with the pre-Dashain period, leaves many roads damaged by floods, landslides, and potholes.

Transport operators have consistently called on the government to ensure that major highways are repaired and safe for travel before the festival rush begins. A smooth road network is essential not just for comfort but also for preventing accidents and delays.

Another concern is security. Transport entrepreneurs want assurances from the government and security forces, particularly the traffic police, that a peaceful and secure environment will be maintained.

They are concerned about potential disruptions, which could affect travel schedules and compromise passenger safety. The presence of dedicated citizen help desks at major transport hubs and stricter monitoring of vehicle conditions and driver sobriety are also part of the discussion to ensure a safer journey for all.

Furthermore, the discussion is expected to touch upon the possibility of expanding online ticketing services.

While some private platforms and bus companies already offer online booking, a more streamlined, widespread, and government-backed digital system is needed to reduce the long queues and chaos at bus parks.

Integrating technology can significantly improve the efficiency of the booking process, making it more convenient for both urban dwellers and those in remote areas.

The timing of this meeting is critical, as it directly impacts the travel plans of millions. Typically, advance ticket booking opens a few weeks before the main festival days, giving people enough time to secure their seats.

A timely decision will allow passengers to plan their journeys without last-minute panic. The decision made today will be a major news story, as it will signal the start of the annual Dashain travel season.

While the transport operators have expressed their readiness, the final decision rests on the Ministry’s ability to provide the necessary guarantees regarding road conditions and security.

This collaboration between government bodies and private transport operators is crucial for managing one of the largest annual migrations of people within the country.

All eyes are now on the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport as the outcome of today’s meeting will set the stage for this year’s Dashain festivities and travel.

For more: Dashain Advance Ticket Booking