Scramble For Tickets

During festive seasons, transportation problem and heightened crowds lead to a significant increase in fares, posing a major challenge for people. The surge in demand often results in crowded spaces, long waiting times and rising prices, creating difficulties for those trying to travel to home towns during festive periods. Managing transportation effectively during such times remains a pressing issue. Gongabu's New Bus Park experiences a bustling crowd, marking the imminent arrival of the Dashain, the greatest festival in Nepal. It is signalling the commencement of booking for long and medium-distance bus tickets by the government in preparation for the upcoming Dashain festival. This move, arranged by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Department of Transport Management, transport entrepreneurs, and traffic police, aims to facilitate the smooth movement of individuals residing temporarily in Kathmandu Valley for various reasons.

With five days left for Ghatasthapana, the bustling crowds forming long queues at ticket counters. However, it is not easy for them to get tickets for their home towns. Reports abound of passengers enduring hours-long queues only to find themselves unable to secure tickets promptly. The stark reality is that, with an estimated 1.2 million passengers expected to depart from Kathmandu Valley during Dashain, such congestion is practically inevitable. Acknowledging the potential chaos that such an exodus might cause, the Department of Transport Management has proactively deployed passenger help desks at 14 locations across the Kathmandu Valley. These desks, operated by representatives from the Traffic Police Office, the Department of Transport Management, and transport entrepreneurs, have a dual purpose: to address passenger grievances and ensure a smooth and efficient ticketing process.

In a commendable move to counter potential malpractices, the department has established a dedicated team tasked with monitoring ticket counters. This team's primary goal is to enforce official fare rates and curb any attempts to overcharge passengers on the pretext of advance ticket booking. Transport entrepreneurs are strictly prohibited from charging excess fares. To enhance transparency further, the Department has fixed fare rates for normal buses, AC buses, and super AC buses at key locations such as Koteshwor, Naya Bus Park, and Kalanki. This initiative not only serves to maintain control excess ticket prices but also aims to inform passengers about the official fares, thereby preventing any unwarranted exploitation. Yet, amidst these commendable efforts, concerns linger. The sheer volume of passengers presents a logistical challenge, and vigilance is crucial to ensuring that every traveller obtains a ticket without being subjected to exorbitant charges. The first day of ticket sales saw around 10,000 tickets sold, underscoring the need for concerned authorities to take action against those found overcharging.

The passengers also need to be sincere while purchasing tickets and should buy them from authorised individuals and counters that provide confirmation. While the initiation of advance ticket booking is a laudable step towards alleviating Dashain travel challenges, vigilance and transparency remain paramount. The collaborative efforts between the government, transport entrepreneurs, and the Federation must continue to address problems arising from the mass exodus from Kathmandu. Striking a delicate balance between meeting demand and ensuring fair pricing is essential for a Dashain where every traveller can make their home journey without unnecessary hassles. The festive rush also calls for added number of vehicles and more frequent departures to destinations to handle the surge of passengers.