KATHMANDU: The government has proposed upgrading 107 road intersections across the Kathmandu Valley as part of a long-term plan to reduce traffic congestion and improve urban mobility.
The proposal is included in the Kathmandu Valley Urban Transport System Master Plan, prepared by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Under the master plan, the intersections will be upgraded in two phases by 2040. The first phase targets 23 priority intersections by 2032, while the remaining 84 intersections will be upgraded by 2040. The total project is estimated to cost around Rs 6 billion.
The proposed upgrades include the construction of traffic islands, medians, curb ramps, pedestrian overpasses, bus stops, right-turn lanes and right-turn holding areas. The plan also calls for coordinated traffic signals, street lighting, CCTV cameras, roadside sensors and a central traffic management system.
The priority list includes major intersections at Lainchaur, Keshar Mahal, New Road, Kalimati, Sundhara, Teku, Kalanki, Balkhu, Ekantakuna, Satdobato, Dillibazar, Singha Durbar, Thapathali, New Baneshwor, Old Baneshwor, Gaushala, Chabahil, Tribhuvan International Airport, Koteshwor, Jadibuti, Gwarko, Gattaghar, Lokanthali, Kaushaltar, Sanothimi and Thimi.
The first phase is expected to cost around Rs 1.5 billion. An additional Rs 2.75 billion has been proposed for upgrading the remaining intersections, while more than Rs 1 billion will be allocated for installing intelligent traffic signals, roadside sensors and the central control system.
Authorities expect the project to reduce traffic congestion, improve traffic flow and make travel across the Kathmandu Valley more efficient.
