LAHORE: In a bid to enhance pedestrian safety and improve the overall traffic flow, the Traffic Engineering & Transport Planning Agency (Tepa) is all set to introduce a modern signaling system across the provincial metropolis by installing pelican (pedestrian light controlled) traffic signals at 20 major roads.
The plan, which aims to address traffic congestion and long queues at major intersections, has been approved following a successful pilot project on the Mall Road. In the first phase, a European-style traffic management system will be established for effective lane discipline and to reduce traffic accidents. The installation of the modern signaling system is expected to begin soon.
“It is a unique project, as it will not only help regulate the traffic and allow effective pedestrian mobility but also eliminate vehicular congestion and carbon emissions,” said an official while talking to Dawn on Tuesday.
According to him, Tepa and the City Traffic Police had identified key roads where the signals would be installed. Work was expected to be completed within five months, he said. The new included a video-based vehicle detection technology that enabled automated traffic management. A Central Urban Traffic Control System would also be established to monitor and manage traffic in real time, the official claimed.
The move is aimed at addressing traffic congestion, lane management, ensuring effective pedestrian mobility
Under the project, LED lights connected to traffic signals would be installed at zebra crossings, ensuring safe road crossing for pedestrians. The system will also be integrated with the Smart City system, allowing recording and analysis of important traffic data.
The 20 major spots where the new system was set to be installed include GPO intersection, High Court Chowk, Regal Chowk, Governor House, Davis Road, Canal Road Junction, Zafar Ali Road, Fortress Stadium intersection, Jinnah Chowk, Sarfaraz Rafiqui Road, Secretariat intersection, Ferozepur Road, Muslim Town Mor, Bhekewal, Dubai Chowk, Barkat Market, Firdous Market, Askari 10 and Parvez Aslam Chowk.
“The pelican traffic signal system was selected due to its proven effectiveness in managing both vehicular and pedestrian movement in busy urban areas,” the official said, explaining that unlike conventional traffic signals, pelican signals operated on a demand-based pedestrian activation system, enabling pedestrians to cross roads safely without unnecessarily disrupting traffic flow.
He further said the system intelligently balanced the traffic volume with pedestrian needs, reduced waiting time at intersections, and helped to minimise congestion.
“The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to adopt smart, safe and sustainable urban mobility solutions for Lahore,” he said.
Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2025
