Lalitpur Launches Smart Safety Barrier for Pedestrian Safety

Kathmandu. Lalitpur Metropolitan City has brought a smart safety barrier into operation in Jawalakhel with the aim of increasing pedestrian safety. According to the metropolis, this system, installed experimentally for the first time in Nepal, is expected to help effectively implement traffic rules and reduce road accidents.

According to Sitaram Hachhethu, chief of the Lalitpur Metropolitan City Police Force, the smart safety barrier, which will operate in coordination with the traffic police, will encourage pedestrians to use the zebra crossing only at designated times. The system is designed such that the barrier will automatically open when the green light is on and automatically close when the red light is on, which is believed to help control the tendency to cross the road on a red light.

Due to the sensor system installed in the barrier, the barrier does not close when pedestrians are in the middle. The metropolis states that this will help people crossing the road to move safely and reduce the risk of potential accidents.

The metropolis has also prepared to place flower pots on the right and left sides of the road to prevent the tendency to cross the road from places other than the zebra crossing.

Chiribabu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, mentioned that in the past, pedestrian accidents increased due to disregard for traffic rules and improper use of zebra crossings, and stated that this technology has been used to create a safe and organized road environment for both pedestrians and drivers. 

Currently, smart safety barriers have been installed in two locations in Jawalakhel as a trial. He said that if the trial is successful, there is a plan to gradually expand it to all intersections with traffic lights within Lalitpur Metropolitan City. Photos: Nepal Photo Library