The odd-even vehicle rationing enforced in the Kathmandu Valley for the BIMSTEC Summit took a toll on the public, disrupting their daily lives.

Because of the rule, which came in force from Wednesday, many commuters could be seen out on the streets, either waiting to catch public vehicles or walking to their destinations.

In many places, traffic was brought to a grinding halt to facilitate the movement of VIP motorcades, adding to the hassles faced by the public.

“It took me almost two hours to reach college this morning. There is no alternative route and I couldn’t find any vehicles from where I stay in Baniyatar,” said Layas Thapaliya, an 11th grader at St Xavier’s College in Maitighar.

People travelling to and from the Tribhuvan International Airport, both domestic and international terminals, were among the most affected. The lead route designated for VIPs from the airport to Soaltee Mode also affected the lives of many Kathmandu residents.

Usha Shrestha said she had to call her relatives to pick up her daughter from school in Teku because she was accompanying her mother to hospital and could not catch a bus to reach home on time.

“I had to take my mother to Teaching Hospital. We were able to catch a bus at 2pm, but it took me two hours to reach the hospital,” Shrestha told the Post. “I was worried about my child who was still at school.”