Long-Distance Bus Services Suspended in Sudurpashchim Amid Heavy Rain and Landslide Risk

Dhangadhi : Long-distance public bus services on various routes in Sudurpashchim Province have been suspended due to the risk of heavy rainfall, floods and landslides, leaving many passengers stranded.

Transport operators have suspended long-distance bus services from Friday through Sunday, including routes to hilly districts as well as Kathmandu, Pokhara and other destinations in the eastern parts of the country. Some passengers have been stranded in Dhangadhi after not receiving timely information about the suspension.

With long-distance buses off the roads, passengers have been forced to rely on short-distance vehicles. However, a shortage of such vehicles on some routes has added to their difficulties.

Govinda Shah, treasurer of Sundar Sudurpashchim Transport Pvt. Ltd., said night buses had been suspended since Thursday, while buses heading toward remote and hilly areas were halted from Friday morning. He said services would resume in areas with lower risk depending on weather conditions.

Night bus services from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu and Pokhara have also been suspended temporarily. The company had been operating 13 night buses to Kathmandu and two to Pokhara on a daily basis.

Transport operators said the services were suspended with the safety of passengers and drivers in mind. They said regular services would resume only after weather conditions improve.

They have urged passengers to avoid unnecessary long-distance travel while the weather remains unfavorable. Those who need to travel have been advised to check the status of bus services with the respective transport companies before setting out.