Infrastructure committee chair pushes for smart traffic and project speed

Ashish Gajurel, chairperson of the Infrastructure Development Committee, has launched a multi-pronged push to modernize Nepal’s road safety and accelerate stalled infrastructure projects. In a series of recent public engagements and committee meetings, Gajurel has emphasized the need for technological integration in traffic management and stricter oversight of national road construction.

Advancing smart traffic systems

Speaking at an interaction organized by the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office on November 1, Gajurel advocated for a shift away from manual traffic control. According to OnlineKhabar, he argued that the traditional practice of deploying officers to direct vehicles at intersections should be replaced by intelligent transportation systems. He noted that the government is currently investing in repairing and installing new traffic lights to improve efficiency.

Addressing concerns regarding pedestrian safety, Gajurel suggested that the full implementation of smart traffic signals could reduce the necessity for pedestrian overpasses. While he acknowledged that overpasses would still be constructed where essential, he indicated that future investment priorities would lean toward technology-based management rather than physical structures. Additionally, Gajurel pledged to improve basic working conditions for traffic police, including access to drinking water and sanitary facilities, as reported by both OnlineKhabar and its English-language counterpart.

Accelerating road construction

Beyond urban traffic management, Gajurel has turned his attention to the delays plaguing national highway projects. During a committee meeting held on November 3, as reported by Nagarik News, he directed relevant ministries and authorities to resolve obstacles hindering road construction, specifically citing the relocation of electricity poles and the management of trees.

The committee has set firm deadlines for these tasks, ordering the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation and the Nepal Electricity Authority to relocate poles on the Kamala-Dhalkebar-Bagmati section within two months. Similar directives were issued for the Nagdhunga-Muglin and Butwal-Gorusinge sections, with shorter timelines for the former. The Department of Roads has been tasked with providing the necessary sites for these relocations.

Community and local engagement

Earlier, on October 28, Gajurel highlighted the critical role of local governments in road safety during an event hosted by the Kathmandu Medical College. According to OnlineKhabar, he stressed that road safety is a matter of public security that requires collaboration between local authorities, health institutions, and security agencies. He also invited stakeholders to provide feedback on the National Road Safety Bill, which was registered in the House of Representatives on September 30, to ensure the legislation is both practical and effective.