By Nayak Paudel

Kathmandu, Mar. 21: It is not a festive season of Dashain and Tihar but the number of individuals leaving the valley recently is similar to that of the festive season. And so is the irregularity in the bus fare.
Thousands of people are leaving the valley after the government, on Wednesday, directed all the educational institutes and recreational centres to remain close citing precaution from Covid-19.
However, the people are being forced to pay more fare than the one set by the government.
“Many say there are no seats available and many ask for more fare. If seats are available, we are not getting it in the fare fixed by the government. I got a ticket only after I agreed to pay Rs. 400 more than the ticket’s price,” said Kunjan, a BIT student, who was returning to Urlabari through a night bus from Gausala on Friday after his exams got postponed.
According to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, nearly 300,000 people left the valley in the last three days.
Citing numbers of students to return back to their homes after closure of educational institutes and postponement of examinations, the Department of Transport Management on Thursday allowed public vehicles to go to any place without its route permit until April 15.
“It is not a festive season. We are in high risk of Covid-19 which has killed thousands across the globe. In such situation rather than helping each other, public vehicles are utilising it to earn more,” said Kunjan.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agency has said that it is keeping a watch over ticket counters in a bid to curtail irregularities in bus tickets and has been arresting the ones involved in such activity.
On Friday morning, the Metropolitan Police Circle, Kalimati, arrested 23 individuals for charging more fare to passengers. Police arrested 32-year-old Mukesh Prasad Sah and others from Balkhu and Kalanki area.
“As soon as the people complained of being charged more fare, we arrested the ones resorting to such activity. They will be penalised as per the law,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Rukum Bahadur Kunwar, in-charge of Kalimati Police.
According to Kunwar, the passengers were being charged nearly a double fare.
Police have howsoever requested public to complain against the ones who demand more fare.
“We are continuously monitoring bus parks and exit points of the valley. If anyone is being charged more fare, s/he should complain,” said Superintendent of Police Jeevan Kumar Shrestha, spokesperson of Metropolitan Traffic Police Division.