The installation of smart traffic gazebo at major crossings in Kathmandu has come as a welcome relief to traffic police who have to endure scorching sun and drenching rain on duty.

Twenty such structure have been recently installed at Putalisadak, Tripureshwor, New Baneshwor, Durbarmarg, Kalanki, Thapathali, Kalimati, Koteshwor, among other places. The project has been initiated by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) in coordination with the Metropolitan Traffic Police Department and the Department of Roads under the public private partnership (PPP) model.

These sheds, each seven feet high, has solar panel installed that allows mobile and walkie-talkie charging points for the traffic police.

Prefix Nepal, a private company, has provided the fund for the construction of the gazebos, said Chief and Executive Officer of the KMC Rudra Singh Tamang. Introduced with the aim to manage traffic system efficiently, the KMC plans to add more of such gazebos in the Valley based on the public feedback.

The Metropolitan Traffic Police Department has welcomed the KMC initiative. “This is a safe place for on-duty traffic police to rest when the traffic load is light,” said SP Lokendra Malla, MTPD spokesperson.

Asha Kumari Lama, 40, a traffic police stationed at Tripureshwor, said installation of these structures has given a great relief to them.

“Earlier, we used to manage traffic on the road drenching in rain. There was no space to keep drinking water and our belongings,” said Lama. “Now, we don’t have to face these problems.”