Dashain rush exposes digital gap at New Bus Park
Summary
Hundreds of passengers at Kathmandu’s New Bus Park are queuing for Dashain bus tickets as cash-only counters expose gaps in digital ticketing and payment services. The rush has renewed questions about how well online booking and cashless payments are being implemented at major transport hubs.
Key Points
- Passengers heading to Western Nepal, Sudurpaschim and Karnali are lining up at Gongabu’s New Bus Park for Dashain travel.
- Notices saying “No Online, Only Cash” are frustrating travellers who want to use digital wallets or mobile banking.
- Online ticketing was introduced at all 47 counters in March 2025, but payment options still vary by counter.
- Authorities have added ticket counters, security and help desks to manage the seasonal rush.
