Transport tickets and airline fares surge as Dashain approaches

Aircraft of domestic carriers at Tribhuvan Intentional Airport. (File photo)

KATHMANDU: As the festive season of Dasain approaches, the government has initiated the advance booking of public transport tickets, starting this Monday.

Meanwhile, the rush for air tickets during the festival season is in full swing.

In response to the surging demand for domestic travel, the number of domestic flights has significantly increased, particularly to destinations that can be reached quickly.

As a result, airline companies have taken advantage of the high passenger occupancy, doubling the airfares on the eve of the festival.

This annual price hike in both public transport and airfares is compounded by the rising cost of petroleum products.

The Transport Management Department, in an effort to regulate fares, introduced fixed rates for public transport on short, medium, and long-distance inter-provincial routes effective from July 1st.

Passengers can also purchase tickets for Dasain at these regulated fares.

Currently, airlines such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Aitways, and Sourya operate regular flights to various destinations.

For those wondering about the cost of travel by air and public transport during Dasain this year, here are some fare details:

Airfare Highlights:

Kathmandu to Dhangadhi Rs 13,501 to 17,186 rupees; Kathmandu to Surkhet Rs 9,000 to 14,186; Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Rs 6,700 to 10,001; Kathmandu to Biratnagar Rs 5,700 to 7,200 rupees.

Likewise, other fares include, Kathmandu to Bhairawa Rs 5,129 to 7,201; Kathmandu to Bhadrapur Rs 6,360 to 9,800; Kathmandu to Janakpur Rs 4,100 to 5,886; and Kathmandu to Pokhara Rs 4,400 to 4,778.

Public Transport Fares (normal to deluxe):

Kathmandu to Dhangadhi Rs 1,946 to 2,803; Kathmandu to Ilam Rs 1,986 to 2,860; Kathmandu to Janakpur Rs 1,084 to 1,560; Kathmandu to Dang Rs 1,246 to 1,794; Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Rs 1,510 to 2,174; and Kathmandu to Pokhara Rs 631 to 909 rupees.

Similarly, the fare from Kathmandu to Bhairawa has been fixed at Rs 826 to 1,190; Kathmandu to Biratnagar Rs 1,536 to 2,212; Kathmandu to Bhadrapur Rs 1,725 to 2,485; Kathmandu to Mahendranagar Rs 1,962 to 2,825; and Kathmandu to Surkhet Rs 1,783 to 2,568.

The transport fare from Kathmandu to Tamghas (Gulmi) has been fixed at Rs 1,238 to 1,782; and Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (via Khurkot) Rs 1,566 to 2,255.