Long-distance vehicles start operating in Madhesh districts, life returns to normal

SARLAHI:- Long-distance transport services have resumed in Sarlahi and other districts of the Madhesh region, bringing relief to passengers.

Travelers with urgent needs had faced significant difficulties when long-distance public transport services were suspended in the area on Thursday and Friday. Daily life has returned to normal following the resumption of long-distance bus services on Saturday.

Transportation services to eastern locations—including Siraha, Saptari, Sunsari, and Biratnagar—have not yet fully resumed. Deeplal Mahato, a bus operator from Sarlahi, noted that bus operations became easier starting Saturday compared to previous days, and the situation improved further on Sunday.

Mahato stated that preparations are underway to resume bus services, as buses bound for Birgunj, Bardibas, and Janakpur have started running without obstruction and the situation is gradually easing in areas east of Dhalkebar as well. Currently, the sporadic operation of smaller vehicles (such as Hiace vans and Wingers) is providing some relief for passenger transport in many parts of the eastern region.

Inspector Jhalak Sharma, Chief of the District Traffic Police Office in Sarlahi, stated that traffic volume on the Mahendra Highway and other inner roads began to rise on Saturday. Meanwhile, vehicles operating on local routes—such as tempos, ‘Magic’ vans, jeeps, buses, and Boleros—are continuing to operate regularly as usual.

Vehicles are moving freely to and from the federal capital, Kathmandu. Bijay Lama, an operator of night bus counters in Lalbandi, stated that there are no issues with night bus operations. He mentioned that ticket sales for buses running from the district headquarters also resumed on Saturday. As the protests in the Madhesh districts subside, vehicle operations are gradually returning to normal.

Along with the resumption of transportation services, markets in the Madhesh region have also begun to open as usual. The markets in Barahathwa, Bayalbas, and Malangwa—which had shut down due to Friday’s protests in Sarlahi—reopened on Saturday. Chief District Officer Bijayraj Subedi stated that normal life is gradually returning to the area.