KATHMANDU: The extreme road conditions brought on by landslides and floods have prompted the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE) to decide to stop accepting reservations for bus tickets in advance for Dashain.

Since the current natural disaster has made it impossible for buses to run, advance ticket bookings were allowed last Saturday, September 28, in cooperation with the Department of Transport Management (DoTM).

Senior vice president of the FNNTE Saroj Sitaula stated that plans are in place to stop accepting reservations for tickets, citing the difficulties caused by damaged roads.

Noting that some buses leaving yesterday are still stalled in places like Swayambhu, Kalanki, and Nagdhunga, Sitaula stated that a final decision on closing bookings would be taken following negotiations with the government.

In the Kathmandu Valley among other parts of the country, the unceasing rains on Saturday triggered floods and landslides that seriously destroyed infrastructure and made driving impossible.

Major routes like the Araniko Highway remain closed, causing many vehicles to be unable to reach their destinations despite the fact that some have been running from the Kathmandu bus park since Monday owing to road damage.

Today, the FNNTE and the government are supposed to meet to talk about the current problems and make a decision regarding the suspension of advance ticket sales.