Protests disrupt traffic across valley, public faces severe inconvenience

KATHMANDU: Daily life in the Kathmandu Valley was severely disrupted today due to demonstrations by the Nepal Teachers’ Federation and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), causing major traffic congestion and public distress.

The protests, held during peak office hours, left many commuters—especially office workers—stranded in long traffic jams.

Movement along key routes, especially from Maitighar to New Baneshwor, was heavily affected, making traffic management extremely challenging for the authorities.

According to Deepak Giri, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, alternative routes were managed as needed to divert vehicles toward their destinations. Despite these efforts, passengers endured significant delays.

Security was heightened in the Maitighar, Babarmahal, and New Baneshwor areas after RPP supporters announced plans to gather near the restricted Bijulibazar Bridge area.

Vehicle movement was halted in these zones, and barricades were erected to prevent unauthorized activities.

A large number of security personnel were deployed to maintain order.

The ongoing teachers’ protest, now in its 19th day nationwide, has already put pressure on urban mobility.

With the RPP launching its own protest today, traffic management in the valley became even more complex.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a stern warning following media reports suggesting that RPP intended to breach restricted zones.

The ministry stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and vowed legal action against those inciting unlawful activities or attempting to destabilize public order.