Increased police vigilance during Tihar prevents major accidents in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Following the reduced police presence on Kathmandu’s streets during Dashain due to the Gen Z movement, police activity surged again during the Tihar festival.

Thanks to this heightened vigilance, no major road accidents were reported, according to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division.

“On the day of Tihar, only 16 minor two-wheeler accidents were recorded in the Kathmandu Valley,” said Naresh Raj Subedi, Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police (SP) at the Traffic Police Office. “A dedicated team, including the Chief of the Traffic Police, was deployed across the city. Because of their active presence, we managed to avoid any serious human casualties.”

According to police records, 199 drivers were booked for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 15 people sustained minor injuries during the festival period.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nawaraj Adhikari, Chief of the Valley Traffic Police Office, stated that strict safety measures were enforced throughout Tihar. “We increased surveillance through CCTV cameras and deployed additional traffic officers at key locations to prevent reckless driving,” SSP Adhikari said.

Police personnel were stationed continuously at major intersections and busy areas such as Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, New Bus Park, Koteshwor, Ratnapark, Kalanki, and Chabahil to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety.

“My duty to serve the nation and its citizens is greater than celebrating Bhai Tika at home,” SSP Adhikari told his team. “Festivals often bring an increase in drunk driving and traffic accidents, so maintaining vigilance on the roads during these times is essential.”

The proactive efforts of Kathmandu’s traffic police helped ensure that this year’s Tihar remained safe, disciplined, and largely free of major road mishaps.