Nepal, Oct. 13 -- The number of passengers leaving the Kathmandu Valley has surged as Dashain approaches, with 56,809 people departing in the 24 hours between Monday morning and Tuesday morning.

People living in the capital for study, work and business are heading home to celebrate the festival with their families. Passenger traffic has increased on both long and short routes through the Valley's main exit points.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office said 27,649 passengers left through Nagdhunga and 20,615 through Bhaktapur.

Another 5,510 departed through Pharping, 972 through Tinpiple, 886 through Bhattedanda, 608 through Sankhu, 513 through Bhimdhunga and 56 through Thankot. ...