KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has begun placing 2,500 traffic cones and 1,250 retractable bars across key road sections to improve traffic management and reduce congestion and accidents through road channelization.
The initiative is a joint effort between KMC, the Traffic Police, and other stakeholders. According to Anukul Nidhi, Assistant Expert at the Urban Planning Commission of KMC, the equipment was initially planned for purchase in fiscal year 2024/25, but procurement was delayed due to procedural challenges. The metropolis expects these tools to play a significant role in streamlining traffic flow.
The traffic cones, standing between 900 and 1,000 millimeters tall, are larger than those used previously and are designed to promote disciplined driving behavior. Each cone weighs between three and five kilograms and has a sealed base, making them harder to remove — particularly for motorcyclists. The cones are also highly visible at night.
Each traffic management set includes two cones connected by a two-meter-long telescopic retractable bar. In total, 1,250 such sets — comprising 2,500 cones and 1,250 bars — have been deployed.
These materials aim to address the lack of proper channelization on major roads and counteract the common tendency of drivers in South Asia to maneuver into any open space, often causing disorganization and safety hazards.
Currently, the cones and bars have been installed on routes such as Singha Durbar to Bhadrakali, Singha Durbar to Maitighar, and at Padmodaya Mode.
In particular, the stretch from Bhadrakali to Singha Durbar has seen noticeable improvements, as the cones help reduce pressure from oncoming traffic and ease left-turn movements from Maitighar. KMC believes this will contribute to a decrease in both accidents and traffic congestion.
KMC emphasized that cooperation among all stakeholders — including road users, traffic police, and urban management bodies — is essential for effective traffic control. It also highlighted the importance of using a data-driven, scientific approach, modern technology, and practical on-site management techniques to ensure sustainable traffic solutions.
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