KATHMANDU: The installation of traffic lights has commenced at major urban junctions in Narayangadh and Bharatpur, Chitwan.
The initiative aims to improve traffic management along the six-lane Pulchowk-Gondrang road and the bypass road.
Suman Thapa, operator of the construction company, confirmed that work began on Monday at Pulchowk and Sahid Chowk. Poles have already been erected at six locations, and the installation of signal lights is now underway.
The project is being funded by the federal government and covers Pulchowk, Sahid Chowk, Chaubiskothi, Hakim Chowk, Malpot Chowk, and the Central Bus Park.
Rakesh Maharjan, chief of the road safety and traffic branch at the Department of Roads, attributed the delay in the project to the contractor’s sluggishness and other operational issues. He stated, “Now the work of installing the lights has started. It will be completed soon.”
The department previously rejected a request for a deadline extension from the contractor. Currently, the construction firm is being charged a daily fine to ensure the project moves forward.
The contract for the installation of traffic lights at the six junctions was signed on Aug. 5, 2025, for Rs 12.31 million, including value-added tax. According to the agreement, the work was scheduled for completion by April 3, 2026.
Bharatpur Metropolitan City acting mayor Chitrasen Adhikari noted that the local government had long requested the Department of Roads to install traffic signals at high-traffic and accident-prone areas. He expressed confidence that the installation would streamline traffic flow and reduce accidents in the city.
