Government explores 'pod way' solution to tackle Kathmandu's traffic woes

Published On: April 4, 2024 10:15 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, April 4: In a bid to address the traffic congestion in Kathmandu, the government has made an immediate decision to explore the feasibility of implementing a 'Pod Way' system.

A swift study has been commissioned to enhance traffic management efficiency and expedite public transport. This decision was reached during a joint meeting between the Ministry of Urban Development and Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) held on Tuesday.

In addition to the 'Pod Way' initiative, discussions during the joint meeting also included plans for constructing an underpass in New Baneshwor. Both the Ministry and the metropolis have agreed to prioritize these projects.

The 'Pod Way' is an innovative transportation system that operates on electricity and travels along suspended wires, controlled by computerized systems. These vehicles can operate at heights of around 30 meters above the road level and require stations resembling sky bridges for passenger boarding and disembarkation.

Januka Dhakal, Chief Commissioner of Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, mentioned that alongside these initiatives, discussions were held regarding the management of the Dhobi and Bagmati river corridors, as well as long-term waste management solutions for Banchare Danda and Sisdol.

During Tuesday's meeting, representatives from various bodies including KMC Mayor Balendra Shah, Chief Commissioner Januka Dhakal, Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction Kumar Ghimire, Chief of the Central Project Implementation Unit Koshnath Adhikari, and other stakeholders convened to deliberate on these plans and other pertinent issues.

The meeting, chaired by Urban Development Minister Dhan Bahadur Budha, saw discussions on matters such as waste management, underpass construction, pod way operations, Bagmati corridor management, Dhobikhola corridor management, drainage in the Samakhushi area, road maintenance, and other crucial topics.

The contractor company was directed during the meeting to expedite the construction of Dharahara, manage the Tukucha River, protect saplings planted by the Bagmati Office, oversee the Tinpipley to Sisdol road construction, and immediately address sewage blockages in the Dhobikhola corridor.