Highlights

• From midnight on Falgun 20 (May 12, 2026) until 12:00 noon on Falgun 21 (voting day), all public and private vehicles will be banned in Kathmandu.

• The decision was made by the High-Level Election Security Committee.

• Only essential service vehicles will be allowed to operate. These include ambulances, fire engines, hearses, blood bank vehicles, security forces, utility repair vehicles, diplomatic vehicles, and pre-approved election vehicles.

• Vehicle passes issued by the Election Commission and the District Administration Office will be distributed at the commission’s secretariat.

• Domestic and international flights will operate as usual. Airlines may provide shuttle services for passengers with valid tickets.

• The restriction aims to protect polling stations, reduce traffic congestion, and prevent election-related misconduct.

• There may be high demand for authorized vehicles and possible delays at pass distribution centers.

Why the Election Security Committee Imposed the Ban

The High-Level Election Security Committee met last week to prepare a security plan for the Falgun 21 parliamentary election. Their decision was to shut down Kathmandu’s road network from midnight until noon on voting day.

The main goal is to improve security. With fewer vehicles on the road, there is less risk of voter intimidation, vote-buying, or traffic accidents that could delay voters.

Kathmandu is known for heavy traffic congestion. Even one blocked lane can cause long delays. By limiting most vehicles, authorities hope polling stations will open on time and remain accessible to voters who truly need transportation.

What Vehicles Are Still Allowed?

Only specific categories of vehicles are permitted. Vehicles outside these categories may face fines or confiscation.

Allowed Vehicle Categories

Essential Services

• Ambulances

• Fire engines

• Hearses (for official mortuary duties only)

• Blood bank vehicles
  Purpose: Emergency and life-saving services

Security Forces

• Police vehicles

• Military vehicles
  Purpose: Maintain law and order during voting

Utility Repair Vehicles

• Electricity repair vehicles

• Water supply repair vehicles

• Sewer maintenance vehicles

• Telecommunications repair vehicles
  Purpose: Maintain essential public services

Diplomatic Vehicles

• Embassy vehicles

• High-level diplomatic mission vehicles
  Must display valid diplomatic plates and carry an election-day pass.

Pre-Approved Election Vehicles

• Vehicles with official passes issued by the Election Commission
  Purpose: Transport election staff, ballot boxes, and observers

Any vehicle claiming to be “essential” but without proper authorization will be stopped at checkpoints.

How to Get a Vehicle Pass

Vehicle passes will be distributed at the Election Commission’s secretariat.

Steps to Obtain a Pass:

1. Visit the secretariat between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Falgun 20.

2. Bring:

   • Government-issued ID

   • Vehicle registration documents

   • Authorization letter (if applicable)

3. Collect the official stamped pass.

4. Display the pass clearly on your windshield.

The pass is valid only during voting hours. The vehicle ban will be lifted at 12:00 noon on Falgun 21.

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Air Travel and Airport Transportation

Flights (both domestic and international) will continue as scheduled.

• Passengers with confirmed tickets may use airline-provided shuttle services.

• Private vehicles without an official pass are not allowed.

• Taxi drivers without a pass may be stopped at checkpoints and turned back.

This plan allows air travel to continue while maintaining security restrictions on city roads.

Impact on Daily Life in Kathmandu

The vehicle ban will temporarily change daily routines:

• Businesses that depend on walk-in customers may see fewer visitors.

• Ride-sharing services will likely experience a major drop in bookings.

• Ambulance services may receive more calls, as people avoid using private vehicles.

Although inconvenient for some, authorities believe the restrictions will strengthen public trust in a safe and fair election process.

What Happens After Voting Ends?

Once voting concludes at noon on Falgun 21:

• Police will gradually remove roadblocks, starting with major roads.

• Public transportation will fully resume at 1:00 PM.

• Utility crews will check for any service disruptions caused during the restriction period.

Officials will review voter turnout, security incidents, and traffic data. If successful, similar measures could be considered for future elections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which vehicles can operate during the ban?
Only essential service vehicles, security forces, utility repair vehicles, diplomatic vehicles, and vehicles with official election passes.

Q: Where can I get a vehicle pass?
At the Election Commission’s secretariat on Falgun 20 between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Bring valid ID, registration documents, and authorization if needed.

Q: Can private taxis operate after voting ends?
No. Taxis without an official pass cannot operate until the ban is lifted at noon on Falgun 21.

Q: How will airport passengers travel?
Passengers must use airline-provided shuttles or vehicles with official passes.

Q: Will traffic congestion increase after the ban ends?
There may be temporary congestion as vehicles return to the roads, but police will manage traffic and remove checkpoints gradually.

Q: Could this system be used in future elections?
Yes. Authorities will evaluate its effectiveness and may apply similar measures in future national or local elections.