Pelican Signals: Govt approves modern solution to address traffic congestion

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Tuesday approved a modern and effective solution to address traffic congestion and long queues at major traffic signals across Lahore. Under this initiative, Pelican (Pedestrian Light Controlled) Signals will be installed to enhance pedestrian safety and improve overall traffic flow. Following the successful pilot project on Mall Road, the Punjab government has decided to expand the system to other major arteries of Lahore.

In the first phase, modern traffic management systems will be installed at more than 20 key roads in the city. The project will cover major locations including GPO, High Court, Regal Chowk, Governor’s House, Davis Road and Canal Road Junction, as well as Zafar Ali Road, Fortress Stadium, Jinnah Chowk, and Sarfaraz Rafiqui Road. Other areas included in the project are Secretariat, Ferozepur Road, Muslim Town Mor, Bhikewal, Dubai Chowk, Barkat Market, Firdous Market, Askari 10 and Parvez Aslam Chowk.

The project aims to introduce a European-style traffic management system that will also help establish effective lane discipline and reduce traffic accidents. The installation will be carried out by the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) after approval of a key summary by the Punjab Cabinet. Key roads have been identified jointly by TEPA and the City Traffic Police, and the installation process is expected to be completed within five months.

According to a spokesperson of the Punjab Housing Department, the system will include video-based vehicle detection technology, enabling automated traffic management. A central urban traffic control system will also be established to monitor and manage traffic in real-time. Under the project, LED lights connected to traffic signals will be installed at zebra crossings, ensuring safe road crossing for pedestrians. The system will also be integrated with the Smart City system, allowing the recording and analysis of important traffic data. The project will significantly reduce congestion at traffic signals, eliminate long queues, enhance pedestrian safety, and lead to a noticeable decline in road accidents.

He noted that the Pelican Traffic Signal system has been selected due to its proven effectiveness in managing both vehicular and pedestrian movement in busy urban areas.

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