Advance bookings for bus tickets for Dashain opened on Friday, drawing crowds of passengers to ticket counters at Gongabu’s New Bus Park and other major departure points in Kathmandu.

Punya Prasad Sitaula (Saroj), president of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, said passengers had begun queuing for tickets as many were expected to leave the capital from Saturday. Transport operators are also preparing buses for the festival rush, he said, adding that authorities need to ensure smooth road conditions.

Passengers can book tickets at major transport hubs, including New Bus Park, Kalanki, Balkhu, Koteshwar and Chabahil, according to the Department of Transport Management. Those unable to visit the counters in person can also book tickets through online platforms such as eSewa, Khalti and BusSewa.

The department has decided to allow long- and medium-distance vehicles to operate across the country under open route permits from October 11, the day of Ghatasthapana, until October 27.

To ease traffic congestion during the festival, trailers and other large vehicles will be barred from operating on the Narayanghat-Kathmandu road section from October 11 to October 25, said Rajiv Pokharel, director general of the department.

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has also set up passenger assistance desks at 15 locations to help travellers during the festive rush. The desks are located at the New Bus Park gate, Balkhu Chowk, Pharping Chowk, Kalanki, Nagdhunga Chowk, Halchowk, Chabahil, Koteshwar Chowk, Bhimdhunga checkpoint, Tinpiple Chowk, Tokha checkpoint, Sankhu Bus Park, Nanglebhare checkpoint, Jagati Chowk and Chapagaun checkpoint.