Kathmandu: In a bid to enhance urban infrastructure and promote energy efficiency, the government has announced a comprehensive plan to illuminate major cities across the country, including the Kathmandu Valley. The initiative entails the installation of modern street lights along main city thoroughfares, as well as the implementation of contemporary traffic signal systems on bustling road networks.
This initiative marks a significant departure, as it represents the first concerted effort by the government to introduce modern lighting solutions aimed at optimizing electricity usage and ensuring uninterrupted functionality in urban areas.
Under the purview of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT), the implementation of the plan will see the deployment of state-of-the-art lighting fixtures along key urban arteries. Currently, MoPIT is diligently working to secure the requisite funding and finalize the logistics pertaining to the installation sites and quantities of lights to be deployed in each city.
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Raghubir Mahaseth, unveiled the timeline for the initiative, revealing plans to commence the installation of modern traffic lights in major cities, including the Kathmandu Valley, starting from mid-July. The specifics regarding installation sites and procedures will be meticulously coordinated with the Department of Roads and traffic police prior to implementation.
“We are set to embark on the modernization of the lighting system by mid-July, commencing with a pilot project in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur,” Mahaseth affirmed. “Subsequently, we aim to extend this endeavor to cities beyond the valley, such as Pokhara, Nepalgunj, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj, and others,” he added.
Furthermore, the government has committed to allocating the necessary budget for the initiative, earmarking funds from the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25. A ministry insider disclosed that efforts are currently underway to expand the modern traffic signal system as part of the initial pilot project. It is estimated that the modernization of lighting systems in major cities will necessitate a budget exceeding Rs 100 million.
This ambitious undertaking underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure and fostering sustainable development across the nation. Stay tuned for further updates as this transformative initiative unfolds.