KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 24Advance ticket booking for the upcoming festivals, including Bada Dashain, Tihar, and Chhat, will begin this Saturday. China's Xi Jinping to visit Russia next month for the BRICS summit Govt to prioritize road safety during upcoming festivals The decision was made at a Department of Transport Management meeting on Tuesday, aimed at facilitating smooth traffic management during the busy festival season.The meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Department of Roads, Nepal Police, Traffic Police, and transportation entrepreneurs. Ishwori Dutta Paneru, Director and Spokesperson of the Department of Transport Management, announced that public transport service providers have agreed to implement advance booking for medium and long-distance travel starting Saturday.

He emphasized the push for online ticket booking to streamline the process and enhance passenger convenience.

Only passengers with tickets will be permitted to board buses, ensuring safety.The meeting also mandated that vehicles must operate with required details, including passengers' identity cards.

Measures will be taken to prevent overcrowding at eateries along highways, and strict controls will be enforced to curb unauthorized ticket sales from unregistered counters.Authorities will be asked to repair major roads to ensure smooth traffic flow during the festivals.

Additionally, heavy-duty vehicles, except those carrying essential goods, will be restricted from Narayanghat to Kathmandu from October 3 to October 17 to manage high traffic volume effectively.Route permits for passenger vehicles will be open nationwide from Ghatasthapana (the first day of Dashain) to Purnima (the last day of Dashain), with certain vehicle restrictions in place due to specific road conditions.Routine health monitoring of public transport drivers will focus on alcohol and narcotic drug consumption.

If drivers are found intoxicated, vehicle operators must provide replacements.Citizen Help Desks will be established at key locations, including Nagdhunga, Kalanki, Swayambhu, and others, in collaboration with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.Bishwaraj Khadka, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, reiterated his commitment to stringent checks to enhance road safety and efficiency for passengers traveling during the festivals. .

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