People struggle to book tickets for Dashain even after hours of standing in queue (Photo Feature)

Saroj Basnet

Kathmandu: The government has opened advance ticket bookings for the upcoming festivals today.

The government had opened advance ticket bookings for people returning their home in the holidays of Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath. A huge number of people have been residing in Kathmandu from across the nation for study, business, and employment.

The government opened the ticket bookings just six days before Ghatasthapana. And on the first day, there is a huge crowd of people to book tickets in the New Buspark.

People started lining up at the dawn. They complained that they were not able to book the number of desired tickets even after standing in lines for 5 hours. The counter has only provided a maximum of four tickets for long distances to each individual.

Similarly, people have gathered to book their tickets for Dharchula, Dadledhura, Dhangadhi, Tikapur, Bajhang, Bajura, Salyan, Rukum, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Taplejung, Illam, Kakarbhitta and Udaypur. They said that it would have been easier if the government had arranged an online system for booking tickets.

But, Saroj Sitaula, Senior Vice-President of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Professionals, claimed that passengers would easily get tickets to move to their houses.

(Glimpses of the people in New Buspark)