Kathmandu, October 10, 2026 — Long- and short-distance buses scheduled to depart from the New Bus Park in Gongabu have been stranded following the closure of the Prithvi Highway, disrupting travel for passengers heading home for Dashain.
Transport operations have been further affected by heavy traffic congestion on alternative routes, preventing buses from departing as scheduled.
The Kanti Lokpath, which connects Kathmandu with Hetauda, had been used as an alternative route following the highway closure. However, excessive traffic on the road has forced authorities to hold vehicles at the New Bus Park.
The disruption has caused difficulties for passengers travelling home for the Dashain festival. Those who purchased advance tickets are facing uncertainty over their departure times, while the number of passengers waiting at the bus park has increased.
Passengers and transport operators are struggling with the disruption as the highway closure coincides with the peak period for travel out of the Kathmandu Valley during Dashain.
