Kathmandu’s week-long Traffic Awareness Campaign has concluded with cultural performances and public outreach programmes, as authorities renewed calls for shared responsibility in reducing road accidents across the capital.

Organised by the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, the campaign aimed to promote safer road behaviour among drivers, passengers and pedestrians. The initiative was held under the theme “Responsible citizens, safer roads – a shared responsibility” and ran for seven days, culminating in a public event in Thamel.

According to traffic police officials, the programme combined awareness drives with cultural performances, street theatre, blood donation camps for accident victims, driver training sessions and eye health camps. Thousands of residents were reached through these activities, officials said.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Nepal Police Chief Dan Bahadur Karki emphasised that traffic safety cannot be ensured by enforcement alone. He said meaningful reductions in road accidents depend on responsible behaviour from all road users.

“If drivers, passengers and pedestrians act responsibly, accidents can be prevented,” he said, urging people to remember that families expect them to return home safely.

Mr Karki also highlighted the role of pedestrians, calling on them to use designated crossings and avoid unsafe road behaviour. “Traffic police presence alone cannot reduce accidents,” he added, noting that public compliance with traffic rules is essential.

Senior traffic officials said the campaign was designed not only to reduce accidents but also to encourage a culture of civic responsibility. Authorities expressed hope that the awareness raised during the week would translate into long-term behavioural change on Kathmandu’s increasingly congested roads.