CIAA tells MoPIT to ease traffic congestion in Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu, November 21

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has directed the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to play a lead role in easing traffic congestion in Kathmandu Valley.

The anti-graft body also highlighted the urgent need to improve the condition of traffic lights and roads.

CIAA Chief Deep Basnyat held a meeting with officials of the MoPIT, Department of Roads, chief of Nepal Police, chief of Metropolitan Traffic Police Division and executive officer of Kathmandu Metropolitan City at his office and directed them to take steps to reduce traffic congestion.

Traffic congestion worsening in Kathmandu in recent months due to increase in the number of vehicles and sorry state of roads. Breach of traffic rules by drivers and pedestrians alike are also adding to traffic congestion.

CIAA Chief Basnyat said that the anti-graft body was forced to take up this issue as stakeholder agencies did not show any seriousness to address the problem. “Traffic congestion has worsened due to lack of coordination among the concerned agencies,” he said. Basnyat said CIAA had received several complaints against poor traffic management.

CIAA Commissioner Navin Kumar Ghimire urged the authorities to do more from their respective sides to resolve the problem.

Commissioner Ganeshraj Joshi suggested that DoR should be more responsible towards improving the condition of roads and traffic lights.  Thapathali, Kesharmahal, Naya Baneshwor, Koteshwor, Chabahil and Kalanki cross-roads, among other places, in Kathmandu Valley are notorious for traffic jams.