The great festival of Hindus, Maha Shivaratri, is being celebrated across the country today with devotion and श्रद्धा. A large turnout of devotees—estimated in the hundreds of thousands—is expected, especially in the Pashupatinath Temple area.
To manage the growing crowd in a safe and organized manner, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has implemented a special traffic management plan for Maha Shivaratri 2082.
According to traffic police officials, arrangements have been strengthened to ensure smooth movement for devotees visiting the Pashupati area for worship and दर्शन. Parking facilities have been designated at various locations:
- Sifal Ground: Parking for devotees’ vehicles, pass holders, and security personnel.
- Across Guheshwori: Parking for pilgrims and devotees.
- Pashupati Area Development Trust Office and Bhandarkhal Area: Parking for pass-holder vehicles.
- Around Tilganga Eye Hospital and the corridor area: Parking for pilgrims, tourists, and devotees.
- Vanakali Area: Separate arrangements for organizations running camps, fire engines, ambulances, drinking water vehicles, and security personnel.
- Gausala Police Circle: Parking for pass-holder and government vehicles.
Vehicles entering from different checkpoints will be managed separately. Traffic police have stated that special attention has been given to ensure convenient travel for devotees coming from distant areas.
If vehicle movement through the Gausala area towards the Ring Road becomes impossible due to excessive crowding, traffic will be temporarily restricted and alternative routes will be used. A large number of traffic police personnel will also be deployed along the corridor and inner roads.
Under normal circumstances, vehicle movement in Chabahil, Gausala, and Tilganga areas will continue as usual. However, if the crowd increases significantly, diversions will be implemented as required.
Cargo vehicles coming from Tinkune to Sinamangal, from the Boudha area toward Gaurighat, and from Old Baneshwor, Gausala, and Mitrapark may be restricted as necessary. Vehicles traveling via the Bagmati Corridor and from Jorpati through Chabahil will be directed to park across Guheshwori.
If congestion at Gausala Chowk makes vehicle operation impossible, traffic from Chabahil, Old Baneshwor, Gyaneshwor–Maitidevi–Ratopul, and Sifal Ground toward Jai Bageshwori will be diverted to alternative routes.
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