KMC installs Pelican crossings at 36 locations

KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 11: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has installed 'on-demand pedestrian crossings' (Pelican system) at 36 locations to enhance pedestrian safety. Initially implemented in Babarmahal, the system has since expanded across various areas in the current fiscal year.

According to Jagatman Shrestha, traffic management advisor at the KMC Office, while the system has been installed at 36 locations, it is currently operational at 13. Technical work is underway to activate it at the remaining sites.

Key locations featuring the Pelican system include Thamel, Maharajgunj, Naxal, Baluwatar, Gaushala, Exhibition Road, Bagbazar, and Tahachal. For the current fiscal year, KMC has allocated Rs 20 million for the project’s implementation.

The Pelican system operates by displaying a green signal for pedestrians at the zebra crossing when they press a button, while vehicles receive a red signal. The green light lasts for 30 seconds, after which the system requires a two-minute waiting period before it can be reactivated.

Designed primarily for high-traffic pedestrian areas, such as schools and hospitals, the system aims to significantly improve pedestrian safety.