Evaluating Intersection Efficiency through NURS-derived PCU Values and the Indo-HCM Methodology: A Case Study at Kamalbinayak

https://doi.org/10.46610/IJTMTN.2025.v01i02.002

Abstract

This study presents a detailed evaluation of the unsignalized Kamalbinayak intersection in Bhaktapur, Nepal, using traffic flow data based on the Nepal Urban Road Standard (NURS) and analytical methods from the Indian Highway Capacity Manual (Indo-HCM). The intersection connects three major roads Byasi, Nagarkot, and Chyamasingh and was observed over six days during peak traffic hours. Observations included vehicle types, turning movements, and geometric features, with all data converted into passenger car units (PCUs) for standardized analysis. The practical capacity of each leg was estimated by adjusting NURS values to account for conditions such as roadside parking and moderate frontage access. The level of service (LOS) was calculated using volume-to-capacity (V/C) ratios, which ranged from 1.3 to 2.1, indicating that all approaches were operating beyond their capacity. Each leg was consistently rated LOS ‘F’, reflecting severe congestion and significant delays. These findings indicate that the current intersection design is inadequate for present-day traffic, particularly under mixed-traffic conditions. The study recommends improvements such as signalization, intersection redesign, and better queue management. This integrated use of NURS and Indo-HCM also offers a replicable method for assessing intersection performance in other developing urban settings.