Holiday Travel in Nepal Marked by Overpriced Fares and Reckless Driving
Summary
Festival travelers in Nepal are being charged up to double fares while also facing reckless driving, overcrowding, and poor service on major routes out of Kathmandu. Consumer activists and traffic police say notices and checks are in place, but illegal fare collection and unsafe driving continue to cause hardship and accidents.
Key Points
- Passengers leaving Kathmandu during the festival season are being asked to pay far above the fixed fare, with some routes reportedly charging up to double.
- Travelers also complain of reckless driving, overspeeding, rude conductors, and unsafe road practices that increase accident risks.
- Consumer rights activists say government warnings are not being properly enforced on the ground.
- Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police says it has set up special checks and will take legal action against transport operators who overcharge passengers.
