Kathmandu, October 13 — The number of people leaving Kathmandu Valley for their hometowns has increased as the Dashain festival approaches, with more than 56,000 people departing through various checkpoints in the past 24 hours.

According to Rabindra Khanal, Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, a total of 56,809 people left the valley during the period.

Of them, 27,649 people travelled through Nagdhunga checkpoint, while 20,615 left via Bhaktapur checkpoint. Similarly, 5,510 people departed through Pharping, 972 through Tinpiple, 886 through Bhattedanda, 608 through Sankhu, 513 through Bhimdhunga and 56 through Thankot.

People working and studying in the federal capital have started returning to their ancestral homes to celebrate Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival for Hindus, which is also an important occasion for family reunions.

However, the increasing flow of passengers has created challenges for transport operators, particularly due to poor road conditions and disruptions along major highways.

Deknath Gautam, general secretary of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, said damaged highways had made travel difficult, causing delays and inconvenience for passengers.

He said that despite arrangements for advance ticket booking, obstructions along the Prithvi Highway had left many vehicles stranded, disrupting travel plans.

The federation has urged passengers to purchase tickets before travelling, pay only the prescribed fares and check the condition of vehicles to ensure safer journeys during the festival period.