KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 11
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has installed on-demand pedestrian crossings (Pelican system) at 36 locations to enhance pedestrian safety.
Initially introduced in Babarmahal, the system has been expanded to additional sites in the current fiscal year.
According to Jagatman Shrestha, Traffic Management Advisor at the KMC Office, while the system has been deployed at 36 locations, it is currently operational at only 13. Technical work is underway to activate the remaining installations.
Key areas incorporating this system include Thamel, Maharajgunj, Naxal, Baluwatar, Gaushala, Exhibition Road, Bagbazar, and Tahachal. KMC has allocated Rs 20 million for the project in the current fiscal year.
The Pelican system functions by allowing pedestrians to activate a green signal at zebra crossings via a push-button.
The pedestrian signal remains green for 30 seconds while vehicles are halted at a red light. Once the cycle completes, the system can be reactivated after a mandatory two-minute interval.
Primarily designed to enhance pedestrian safety, the system has been strategically implemented near schools and hospitals.