KATHMANDU: Advance booking for public transport tickets for Dashain will commence on September 28, with Ghatasthapana occurring on October 3 this year. This decision was made during a meeting between Devendra Dahal, the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT), and representatives from the National Federation of Nepalese Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE).

The meeting established the need for consultations with the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) before initiating the advance ticket bookings. 

Minister Dahal chaired a session that resulted in seven key decisions addressing the demands of transport entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of repairing all roads under the Department of Roads before Ghatasthapana.

Ishwari Datta Paneru, the spokesperson for DoTM, announced plans to request the Ministry of Home Affairs and Nepal Police to operate only small vehicles and to suspend night vehicle operations on the BP highway to enhance road safety. The DoTM will monitor this situation and report back to MoPIT.

Saroj Sitaula, senior vice-president of the FNNTE, indicated that advance ticket booking would begin shortly after discussions with MoPIT and the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with a meeting with the DoTM within the next couple of days.

To ensure smooth transport management, vehicles will undergo mechanical testing ahead of the festival. 

Notably, as there has been no scientific fare adjustment in the past three years, it was agreed that fare adjustments will be implemented a week after the Chhath festival.