Discover Kigali’s new Kigali smart traffic management initiative launching in 2025 to ease congestion through intelligent intersections, transit upgrades, and electric bus lanes.
Kigali Launches Kigali smart traffic Management Project to Combat Urban Congestion
In 2025, Kigali has launched a transformative Kigali smart traffic initiative—part of a broader urban mobility upgrade—to tackle worsening congestion and improve transport efficiency across Rwanda’s capital. Built around intelligent systems, dedicated lanes, and better infrastructure, the plan marks a major shift in how traffic flows through Kigali.
A Focus on Key Junctions
The Kigali smart traffic project begins with upgrading three critical junctions: Chez Lando, Gishushu, and Sonatubes. These intersections will receive traffic lights, grade-separated interchanges, dedicated bus lanes, pedestrian walkways, and cycle tracks. These early improvements aim to reduce delays, streamline movements, and enhance safety in high‑volume zones.
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Rollout
Central to the Kigali smart traffic vision is the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems at about 20 major intersections. This includes live signal coordination and data analytics to adapt signal timing to real-time traffic volumes. With Rwanda’s topography limiting road expansion, ITS allows more efficient use of existing infrastructure while reducing travel times and idling.
Dedicated Bus Lanes & Transit Upgrades
The plan also introduces dedicated bus lanes and prioritizes electric buses to promote public transport. Kigali is acquiring a fleet of electric buses, deploying charging stations, and constructing a multimodal hub at Nyabugogo—expected to serve up to 180,000 riders daily by 2030. These transit improvements form a core part of the Kigali smart traffic strategy to shift from private to low-carbon mobility.
Supporting Green Mobility
This initiative aligns with the larger Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement (RUMI) project, backed by the World Bank and African Development Bank, aimed at resilience and equity in Kigali’s transport network. Non-motorized transport infrastructure, pedestrian and cycling routes, and gender-sensitive design elements are integrated into this plan— reinforcing the Kigali smart traffic goal of sustainable, inclusive urban mobility.
Climate Resilience and Safety
As climate risks grow, RUMI includes technical guidance to ensure all infrastructure is climate-resilient—designed to withstand flooding, landslides, and urban heat. Coordinated by global adaptation experts, this focus enhances the durability of Kigali smart traffic investments and supports safe, reliable travel in all seasons.
Economic and Social Benefits
By improving movement efficiency, the Kigali smart traffic project is expected to lower transport costs, cut emissions, and unlock economic benefits. It also aims to generate jobs during implementation in planning, station construction, and bus operations—particularly
benefiting young people and women.
Future Mobility in Kigali
Beyond this phase, plans include expansion to seven junctions across Kigali, integration with planned ring-road corridors, and eventual introduction of a metro transit system. All these steps support Kigali’s vision of a cleaner, more connected city—powered by Kigali smart traffic infrastructure at its core.
Conclusion
Kigali’s 2025 launch of its Kigali smart traffic management project marks a critical turning point in urban transportation. By combining junction upgrades, ITS, dedicated transit lanes, and climate-resilient planning, the city is setting a new standard for mobility in East Africa.
For ongoing insights on Rwanda’s evolving transport landscape, visit Automag Rwanda.
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