Dashain Ticket Booking Sparks Dispute Between Transport Department and Operators

A dispute has emerged between the Department of Transport Management and transport operators over opening advance ticket bookings for the upcoming Dashain festival. The department wants booking to begin before Ghatasthapana to manage the expected movement of around 1.5–2 million people from Kathmandu Valley, prevent ticket black marketing, and plan additional vehicles on busy routes. Transport operators, however, have opposed opening bookings immediately, citing the damaged condition of major highways, including the BP Highway, Nagdhunga–Muglin, and Muglin–Pokhara sections. They say uncertain road conditions could leave passengers stranded and make it difficult for buses to maintain fixed schedules. Operators have also warned that sending vehicles onto unsafe roads could increase accident risks and disrupt the entire Dashain transport schedule. The two sides are therefore divided between the need for early passenger management and concerns over road safety and reliability.