KATHMANDU, An estimated 600,000 people are expected to leave the Kathmandu Valley to celebrate the Tihar festival, which began on Saturday.

According to the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, this year’s number of outbound travelers is likely to be higher due to the extended holiday period.

Federation President Bijay Bahadur Swar said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure smooth transportation for people heading out of the Valley.

> “Many faced difficulties during Dashain due to heavy rainfall and damaged roads, but improvements have been made for Tihar. This time, travelers should not face similar hardships,” he assured.

Shubhajan Dahal, Information Officer at the Department of Roads, confirmed that major highways across the country are now fully operational after recent repairs.

> “Even the Maikhola section on the Mechi Highway, which had remained closed due to flooding during Dashain, has been reopened from Saturday,” he said.

Dahal added that contingency plans are in place to respond quickly to any potential road disruptions.

> “If roads are blocked due to dry landslides or other issues, we are prepared to clear and reopen them immediately,” he said.