Kathmandu, February 11
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has installed ‘on-demand pedestrian crossings’ (Pelican system) at 36 locations to prioritise pedestrian safety. This system was first implemented in Babarmahal and has since been expanded to other locations in the current fiscal year.
According to Jagatman Shrestha, traffic management advisor at the KMC Office, although the system has been set up at 36 locations, it is currently operational at 13. Technical work is ongoing to make the system functional at the remaining sites.
Areas such as Thamel, Maharajgunj, Naxal, Baluwatar, Gaushala, Exhibition Road, Bagbazar, and Tahachal are among those featuring this system. For the current fiscal year, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has allocated a budget of Rs 20 million for the implementation of this project.
The Pelican system works by displaying a green signal for pedestrians at the zebra crossing when they activate the button. The green light lasts for 30 seconds, while the vehicles are shown a red signal. After 30 seconds, the system can be activated again after a two-minute waiting period. This system primarily targets pedestrian safety in areas near schools and hospitals, it is said.
