Comparative Analysis of Intersection Performance Using PCU Values from NRS and Indo HCM: A Case Study of New Baneshwor Intersection

New Baneshwor is one of the main intersections and the epicentre of the Kathmandu Valley. This study aims to analyze the capacity and level of Service at this intersection. Maitighar, Tinkune, Sankhamul, and Old Baneshwor are the primary locations it connects, as it is one of the valley's busiest and most crucial crossings. The Indo Highway Capacity Manual (Indo HCM) 2017 and Nepal Road Standard 2070 documents assess the intersection's performance. A directional classified traffic volume count is conducted to determine traffic flow during peak periods. Vehicles are manually counted based on their different types. The Saturation Flow rate (SF) is computed from the unit base saturation flow equation (USFₒ) by multiplying various adjustment factors for other directions and phases. The input parameters for calculating capacity are the saturation flow rate, effective green time, and total cycle duration for each direction. Total control delay and Degree of saturation for each leg and flow direction are used to calculate the Level of Service (LOS). The comparison between the v/c ratio and control delay at the New Baneshwor intersection using PCU values based on NRS and Indo HCM indicates significant differences in congestion levels and control delays, highlighting the impact of methodological variations on traffic performance evaluation. The performance of using PCU from NRS is higher than that of using PCU from Indo HCM. Using PCU values based on NRS and IndoHCM, it was ultimately discovered that the overall Level of Service (LOS) was F for both the morning and evening peak hours.