Minister Kulman Ghising Announces 7-Point Plan for Smooth Dashain Travel

To ensure smooth travel during Dashain, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, announced seven key decisions on Saturday. Also serving as Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and Urban Development, Ghising made these decisions after consulting with stakeholders to address road and traffic issues.

Key Decisions for Dashain Travel

1. Nagdhunga Tunnel for Outbound Vehicles: Passenger vehicles leaving Kathmandu during Dashain will be routed through the Nagdhunga Tunnel.
2. Restrictions on Large Vehicles: On the Butwal–Narayan Gadh Daunde section, large vehicles (12 wheels and above) will be restricted throughout Dashain, except for vehicles carrying essential goods like food supplies.
3. 24/7 Road Monitoring: A dedicated mechanism will monitor road conditions around the clock. Any landslide or road obstruction will be promptly cleared to resume traffic.
4. Traffic Flow on Daunde Section: Two-way traffic will be maintained 24 hours a day on the Daunde section.
5. Narayan Gadh–Muglin Road Clearance: Landslides at Tuiun Khola will be cleared immediately to restore traffic, while the main road connecting Tatopani border will be operational before Dashain.
6. Safety and Security Measures: The Ministry has instructed the Home Ministry to deploy additional police patrols and personnel to ensure security at major highways and bus parks.
7. Control Room Management: Focal persons will be appointed to manage a 24-hour control room to monitor road conditions and safety during the festive period.

Road Condition Challenges

As Dashain approaches, landslides continue to affect roads and highways nationwide. On the Narayan Gadh–Muglin section, landslides at Tuiun Khola have disrupted traffic since Friday, with large landslides on Saturday causing additional delays. The Araniko Highway’s Kodari section is still blocked due to multiple landslides, affecting imports from the Tatopani border.

Minister Ghising consulted with senior officials from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Department of Transport Management, the Department of Roads, Nepal Police, and the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs’ National Federation to address these challenges.

Vijay Jaisi, Director General of the Department of Roads, stated that discussions will continue with the Nagdhunga Tunnel construction company and consultants to finalize the entry of public transport through the tunnel even after Dashain.

Public Advisory

Minister Ghising has urged citizens to travel only after checking weather and road conditions. Public transport will be made safer and more technology-friendly, with the Department of Transport Management preparing guidelines to be submitted to the Ministry promptly.

Narhari Tiwari, Deputy Director General of the Department of Transport Management, explained that a digital monitoring system will provide real-time updates on road conditions and obstacles. He added that transport operators are now issuing tickets only for 3–4 days in advance, instead of the usual long-term booking, to match road safety and vehicle availability.

Traffic experts estimate that about 2 million people will travel out of the Kathmandu Valley during Dashain, and the Ministry has ensured a rotation system so that staff remain available while observing holidays.