The local government of Lalitpur has launched the 'Intelligent Traffic Light' system in Lalitpur metropolis to improve traffic management. Bagmati Province's Minister for Labor, Employment, and Transport Prem Bhakta Maharjan inaugurated the system on Monday by switching it on near Lalitpur Metropolitan City's office in Pulchowk. The project, implemented by Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC), aims to enhance vehicle management in the metropolis.
Speaking at the event, Minister Maharjan praised the initiative, stating, “This system will significantly improve traffic flow in key areas of Lalitpur. With 60 percent of Nepal's vehicles concentrated in Bagmati Province, managing traffic is challenging. Using smart technology like this is a crucial step forward.”
The Intelligent Traffic Light system uses automated technology to manage vehicle flow efficiently. It has been installed at five locations along the Kupandol-Jawalakhel route, beginning before Dashain and becoming fully operational on Monday. The system comprises 'Vehicle Detector Machines' that immediately analyze vehicle density on the road and relay the data to the traffic light's central server. Based on real-time inputs, the system adjusts the green light duration to clear traffic in the busiest direction.
Highlighting its benefits, Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan explained, “Our goal is to minimize traffic congestion, especially for those traveling towards Lalitpur from Thapathali Bridge. Unlike traditional traffic lights, this system is fully automatic and adapts in real time to vehicle flow, providing convenience to commuters.”
Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya Bajracharya emphasized the importance of community cooperation for the technology's success, stating that the project aligns with the Municipal Master Plan and focuses on facilitating smooth movement for vehicles, drivers, and pedestrians.
Technician Suysa Bhakta Mathema outlined the system's capabilities, noting that it operates in various modes, including light fix, police manual, synchronization, and Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS). The system stores traffic data, including vehicle counts and accident details, for up to five years. According to Mathema, the Sanmal Power Grade JV, responsible for the project, initially conducted a feasibility study at 117 locations and prioritized five key intersections for installation: two in Pulchowk, and one each in Kandevata, Damkal Chowk, and Jawalakhel.
The new technology ensures that vehicles in Lalitpur wait only 30 to 50 seconds, significantly reducing delays compared to traditional systems in Kathmandu. This smart traffic system represents a major step toward efficient and data-driven traffic management in Nepal and serves as a model for similar projects in other urban centers.
