KARACHI:
Terrible road infrastructure, burgeoning population coupled with poor law enforcement have resulted in chaotic traffic conditions across Karachi. Hours-long traffic jams and frequent road accidents have become a major source of stress among citizens. Despite leaving early to reach their destinations in time, commuters regularly face traffic disruptions. Political demonstrations and processions further add to traffic problems as roads are frequently closed for these activities.
Most people use private vehicles such as motorcycles or cars due to poor public transport services. The large number of vehicles on the road cause severe congestion during peak hours of the day. At times, even traffic police are unable to manage the traffic on major roads. The potholes, uncovered manholes, and cracks have further aggravated traffic issues as roads have become narrower making it difficult for vehicles to move. Unplanned road infrastructure such as bridges and underpasses have failed to ease traffic and instead overcrowded many busy streets of the city.
The horrible traffic conditions of Karachi do not just inconvenience residents but also affect economic activity in the city. The Karachi Municipal Corporation and district administrations should regularly repair the roads and install functioning traffic signals and signs across the city. The public transport system must be widely available, accessible, and affordable to reduce vehicles on the road. The government should also encourage people to carpool and introduce bike-sharing and pedestrian-friendly streets to reduce traffic congestion as well as promote a healthier lifestyle to reduce the carbon footprint of the city.
Muhammad Ali Hisbani
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2023.
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