The Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD) is preparing to step up surveillance to check drink-driving during the festivals.

Officials said the MTPD will deploy additional traffic cops on the roads in view of the festival season staring from Dashain.

The first day of the 10-day festival will start from October 1 when Ghatasthapana will be observed. The country observes Tihar and Chhath festivals after Dashain.

“In recent times, we are able to decrease the number of accidents caused by drink-driving, saving many lives and several others from getting injured,” said SP Lokendra Malla, spokesperson for the MTPD.

Drinking has been part of celebrations during the festival season.

According to SP Malla, the 35 units of traffic police in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur will be mobilised during the festival season to check drink-driving.

In Kathmandu, additional number of traffic cops will be deployed at Kalanki, Balaju, Ekantakuna, Purano Buspark, Koteshwor, Gaushala, Swoyambhu, Sundhara, Nagdhunga, Jorpati, Airport and Satdobato.

Altogether, more than 1,200 traffic police personnel will be mobilised in coordination with Nepal Police and civil society in different districts, according to the MTPD.

As per the existing provision, anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol is liable to a fine of Rs 1,000 and an hour-long mandatory class on the day set by traffic police.

Besides checking drink-driving, traffic police, according to SP Malla, will also set up help desks at different places to help passengers travelling to their hometowns.

Traffic police launched its campaign against drink-driving in 2011 and according to the MTPD, it has been immensely successful in curbing the trend among bikers and motorists to drive under the influence.