Kathmandu Valley prepares for Dashain festival amid travel and supply surges

As the Dashain festival approaches, the Kathmandu Valley is experiencing a significant surge in passenger traffic and increased government monitoring of essential goods. Nearly 57,000 people departed the valley in a single 24-hour period, with major exits recorded at Nagdhunga and Bhaktapur. Transport operators have reported difficulties managing services due to damaged national highways, including a section of the Prithvi Highway that recently subsided.

To prevent artificial shortages and price gouging, the government has deployed 50 staff members to monitor markets across the valley. Inspection teams are assessing demand, supply, and product quality for essential items such as sugar and meat. The Salt Trading Corporation is working with retailers to maintain government-fixed prices for sugar, while the Food Management and Trading Company is operating subsidized shops.

Additionally, the government has established six exchange centers to facilitate the distribution of cooking gas. Under a special provision effective until October 17, consumers can exchange empty cylinders of any brand for filled cylinders of another brand without paying additional exchange fees, paying only the prescribed price for the gas. This measure aims to alleviate potential shortages during the festive period.