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By Shanker Man Singh

The Lalitpur Metropolitan City has launched intelligent or smart traffic lights. The Metropolis Mayor inaugurated the lights by switching on the lights placed in the square in front of the Metropolitan Office in Pulchowk. Based on the intelligent system, these lights turn on the green light wherever there is a large number of vehicles. LMC has installed such lights in five places from Kupandol to Jawalakhel. In the first phase, five lights were installed, two in Pulchowk, one at Kandevta, one at Damkal Chowk and one in Jawalakhel.

According to the information, the vehicle detector machine placed with the lights immediately reads the number of vehicles on the road and immediately informs the traffic light chip and server.

Based on that, the system turns on the green light wherever there is a large number of vehicles. Although passengers should wait a long time at traffic lights towards Kathmandu, most of them in Lalitpur only have to wait for 30-50 seconds.

The Mayor said that this light is connected to managing traffic, and he believed that this is the first in Nepal. He informed the Metropolis would not have to spend a single paisa on maintenance for five years.

In this context, public awareness is needed as it is a new system. Can AI control traffic signals?

It can certainly be, because when human controllers/traffic control devices and signalling managers are given some tasks that can be boring, AI can greatly help in the process of automation for greater flexibility and programming, in the sense that it can take inputs.

It can synchronize the flow of traffic from various sensors and graphical/optical cameras, and can ‘regulate’ the flow by opening additional lanes.

Control the signals for traffic leaving the city in the evening, while fewer lanes may be open for traffic entering the city in the evening. AI can recognize that, but it must analyze some patterns and some operating principles and/or scientific modelling and possibly statistical data.

Some situations require, and some human operator inputs when ‘working’ the balance, so AI can do it. In many large cities, they rely on computer systems to manage traffic control systems, various rail-line operations and other mass-transit systems to maximize efficiency and business operations.

 Now with AI, the effectiveness of previously simple systems can now be increased many times over and is possible.

A traffic light is a lighting device designed to sequentially switch on and off certain signals for a given time. The operation of a traffic light is controlled by a controller or computing device.

It is possible to control traffic lights manually with a special remote control. However, experience shows that the regulator can unnecessarily, for purely psychological reasons, increase the duration of certain signals, which delays vehicles.

Traffic light switching signals during automatic operation are made by the controller, which is an electromechanical or electronic device.

Intelligent Traffic Lights: LMC has implemented intelligent traffic lights for the first time in Nepal. These lights adapt to traffic flow by using vehicle detectors to prioritize green signals for roads with higher traffic volume. This initiative aims to improve traffic flow, particularly aiming to reduce wait times at traffic signals.

“Intelligent traffic lights, based on an intelligence system, turn the green light in the direction where there is a higher volume of vehicles.”

 Potential of AI in Traffic Management: There is a significant role AI can play in traffic control. By processing data from various sensors and cameras, AI can dynamically adjust signal timings, optimize lane usage, and even predict traffic patterns to preemptively mitigate congestion.

“AI can certainly do that, because when some tasks that can be boring to a human controller/traffic control operator and manager of the signalling are given, the AI can help a lot in the process of automation for more flexibility and programmability, in a sense that it can take the inputs.”

Challenges of Traffic Congestion in Kathmandu: The document highlights the severe traffic congestion in Kathmandu, attributing it to a rapid increase in private vehicles coupled with limited road infrastructure development. The continuous import of vehicles exacerbates the situation, making it a persistent problem.

“The main problem caused by traffic jams is the inability to reach the destination on time. Passengers are also experiencing great mental stress due to traffic jams, which cannot be accounted for.”

Solutions for Traffic Management:

Prioritizing Public Transportation: Developing a robust mass transit system, including a railway network for a city with over 3 million inhabitants, is suggested as a key solution.

Improving Public Transport Management: This includes managing bus terminals, implementing efficient timetables, and shifting towards electric/alternative energy sources for public transport.

Promoting Alternative Modes of Transport: Encouraging cycling networks and pedestrian walkways is emphasized.

Traffic Infrastructure Development: Building overpasses, zebra crossings, traffic lights, and managing construction activities are mentioned.

Policy and Regulation: Ending syndicate systems in public transport, implementing labor laws, and restricting rickshaw access to highways are proposed.

Learning from International Examples: The document advocates learning from European countries that have successfully tackled traffic congestion through effective policies and implementation.

Important Facts:

Wait time reduction: The intelligent traffic light system aims to reduce wait times at intersections to a maximum of 30-50 seconds in Lalitpur.

Maintenance: Lalitpur Metropolitan City has a five-year maintenance agreement for the new intelligent traffic light system.

Traffic Growth: The annual vehicle growth rate in Nepal exceeds 20%, outpacing infrastructure development.

Overall Analysis:

          The introduction of intelligent traffic lights in Lalitpur signifies a positive step towards embracing technology for better traffic management in Nepal. However, a broader systemic issue of traffic congestion in Kathmandu. The focus should be on holistic solutions, prioritizing public transport, promoting alternative modes of transportation, and implementing effective traffic management policies. Learning from international best practices is crucial for developing sustainable and efficient urban mobility in Nepal.