Kathmandu, Nov.27: The new technology where pedestrians can turn on traffic lights by pressing the button themselves has come into operation in Babarmahal, Kathmandu. 

The crossing technology worth Rs 1 million which can be turned on when the passersby presses the button has been installed in front of the Kathmandu District Court, Babarmahal. This type of traffic light called ‘pelican crossing ‘has been put into operation today. 

After the opening of the pelican crossing, Chief Deputy Inspector General of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, Poshraj Pokharel, in a press brief said that that after pressing the button, the green light will turn on for 5 seconds and pedestrians should cross the road within 30 seconds of it. 

The accident risk will increase in lack of proper operation, however, will benefit tremendously if used properly. 

He said, “The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has installed this crossing technology for the general people. After pressing a button, we have to wait five seconds and then the green light will blow up signaling time for pedestrians to cross the road. Then, passersby need to cross the road within 30-35 seconds of it.” 

This is accident-prone in case of improper operation, but, it will give the signal and make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road when used properly.  

Dipendra Shrestha, Member of Parliament (MP) of the Bagmati Province said that even though zebra traffic has been installed for the short term, there will not be significant benefit from it in the long term when used on the highway. For this, preparations are underway to make an underpass way. 

He said, “I believe that a zebra traffic light will benefit for the short term, but, won’t be beneficial in the long run, therefore, this can be installed in underpass way in the coming year.”

He committed to solving this issue for the long term the next year.