The Government of Nepal, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched the Urban Transport Management Project to address traffic jams in Kathmandu.
The project was implemented as a pilot initiative to ease congestion at the New Baneshwor and Lainchaur intersections.
According to JICA, infrastructure improvements were carried out at the New Baneshwor intersection from late June to mid-October 2023. These included creating a separate right-turn lane, installing a median strip to separate road lanes, placing post cones, correcting road signs, and adding safety equipment.
Similarly, at Lainchaur intersection and nearby areas such as Keshar Mahal and the Department of Mines intersection, lane markings, traffic lights, and coordination systems were implemented with financial support from the Government of Nepal. JICA noted that a “no-left-turn” signal light was used at Lainchaur to prioritise pedestrian safety for the first time in the Kathmandu Valley.
To assist in managing traffic congestion in the valley, JICA has also prepared and handed over three important documents to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport: the Urban Transport Management Plan, Intersection Improvement Guidelines, and a Manual for Traffic Light Operation and Maintenance.
