The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has installed on-demand pedestrian crossings, also known as the Pelican system, at 36 key locations to enhance pedestrian safety. The initiative was first launched in Babarmahal and has since been expanded to other busy areas in the city.

Out of the 36 locations, the system is currently operational at 13, with technical work underway to activate it at the remaining sites, said Jagatman Shrestha, traffic management advisor at the KMC office.

Prominent areas such as Thamel, Maharajgunj, Naxal, Baluwatar, Gaushala, Exhibition Road, Bagbazar, and Tahachal now feature this safety system. For the current fiscal year, KMC has allocated Rs 20 million for the project’s development and implementation.

     How the Pelican System Works

The Pelican system allows pedestrians to activate a green signal at zebra crossings by pressing a button. Once activated, the green light stays on for 30 seconds, giving pedestrians safe passage while vehicles face a red signal. After the signal completes, there is a two-minute waiting period before the button can be pressed again.

This system is particularly focused on enhancing safety near schools and hospitals, where pedestrian movement is high.

The initiative aims to reduce accidents and improve pedestrian infrastructure in Kathmandu, contributing to a safer and more pedestrian-friendly urban environment.