Intelligent traffic lights installed at 5 locations in Lalitpur

KATHMANDU: Lalitpur Metropolitan City officially launched intelligent traffic lights on Monday, introducing an advanced system aimed at easing traffic congestion.

Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan inaugurated the system by switching on the first light at the intersection near the Metropolitan Office in Pulchowk.

These intelligent traffic lights, based on a smart detection system, turn green in the direction with the highest vehicle density. The metropolitan has installed these lights at five key locations between Kupondole and Jawalakhel.

Specifically, two lights have been installed at Pulchowk, and one each at Kan Devata, Damkal Chowk, and Jawalakhel.

According to Srikumar Maharjan, Chief of the Urban Development Project Division, the system uses vehicle detector machines to instantly read traffic volume and relay the data to the traffic light’s chip and server. The lights automatically adjust green-light duration based on traffic flow, reducing wait times to just 30-50 seconds, compared to longer delays seen in Kathmandu.

Mayor Maharjan highlighted that this is Nepal’s first implementation of such an intelligent traffic system. He assured that for the next five years, the city will not need to spend on maintenance. “These lights communicate with each other to manage stop and green light durations,” he added. The city plans to raise awareness about the new system through municipal police and school students.

Future plans include installing intelligent traffic lights on major roads outside the Ring Road next year.

The system is automated, making it more efficient and user-friendly compared to traditional traffic lights.

The vehicle detectors can read vehicle numbers and details, and the system automatically sets optimal timings for each direction.

The monitoring system is currently housed at the traffic office.

Technician Suyosabhakta Mathema noted that the lights support various modes, including fixed, police manual, synchronization, and adaptive (ATCS) as needed.

Data can be stored for up to five years, and the system records vehicle and accident information.

Despite 64 traffic lights in the Kathmandu Valley, only 35 are currently operational due to various issues, according to Sanjay Bahadur Raut, Spokesperson for the Metropolitan Traffic Police Office.

The new intelligent traffic lights are expected to improve traffic management, reduce commuter risk, support organized urbanization, and contribute to sustainable development in the city.