Lahore to Install Modern Pelican Pedestrian Signals at 20 Major Intersections

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: In a move aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving pedestrian safety, the Punjab government has approved the installation of modern Pelican (Pedestrian Light Controlled) traffic signals at more than 20 key intersections across Lahore.

The initiative has been launched on the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, following the successful pilot implementation of the system on The Mall. Authorities say the project is designed to address long vehicle queues at major junctions while ensuring safer road crossings for pedestrians.

In the first phase, a European-style traffic management system will be introduced on major arteries of the city. The project will be executed by the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) under the Punjab Housing Department, after approval of a summary by the provincial cabinet.

Key locations for the installation have been identified jointly by TEPA and the City Traffic Police, with completion expected within five months. According to a Housing Department spokesperson, the system will feature video-based vehicle detection technology to enable automated traffic control. A Central Urban Traffic Control System will also be established to monitor traffic flows in real time.

As part of the project, LED-embedded zebra crossings linked to traffic signals will be installed to ensure safer pedestrian movement. The system will also be integrated with Lahore’s Smart City framework, allowing the collection and analysis of traffic data to improve future planning.

Officials said the initiative is expected to significantly reduce congestion at busy intersections, eliminate long queues, enhance pedestrian safety and lead to a noticeable decline in road accidents.

Major sites included in the project are GPO, High Court, Regal Chowk, Governor House, Davis Road and Canal Road Junction, Zafar Ali Road, Fortress Stadium, Jinnah Chowk and Sarfaraz Rafiqui Road. Other locations include Secretariat, Ferozepur Road, Muslim Town Mor, Bhikewal, Dubai Chowk, Barkat Market, Firdous Market, Askari 10 and Parvez Aslam Chowk.

According to the Housing Department, Pelican signals have been selected due to their proven effectiveness in managing pedestrian and vehicular movement in high-traffic urban areas. Unlike conventional traffic signals, the system operates on a demand-based pedestrian activation mechanism, allowing safe crossings without unnecessarily disrupting traffic flow. Widely used in several European countries, Pelican signals have demonstrated success in improving road safety, strengthening lane discipline and reducing traffic accidents.

The project reflects the Punjab government’s broader commitment to smart, safe and sustainable urban mobility solutions for Lahore.