Police to use bike patrols to monitor motorways

Motorway police to use bikes for better safety and patrol efficiency.

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Federal government has decided to introduce a motorcycle patrol service on motorways as a pilot project to enhance surveillance and security.

The initiative aims to bolster safety and curb incidents such as fencing theft along motorways, Express News reprted.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan emphasised the need for 30 to 35 motorbikes to patrol various sectors simultaneously.

He directed the motorway police to launch the service using their existing resources in the first phase, with plans for further expansion.

The project will involve collaboration between the National Highway Authority (NHA), Motorway Police, Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), and local police to ensure its effectiveness.

The minister highlighted the importance of a robust mechanism to make motorway travel safer.

He suggested amendments to legislation to expand the powers of the motorway police and increase their responsibilities.

To tackle fencing theft, Abdul Aleem Khan instructed the identification of high-risk areas and emphasised accountability.

He declared that NHA officers and motorway police would be held responsible for theft incidents in their respective areas.

Additionally, the minister ordered the replacement of damaged or stolen fencing and directed the Inspector General of Motorway Police to work with local law enforcement to follow up on theft cases.

He also requested a comprehensive report on coordinated actions to be presented within a week.

Moreover, to improve mobility and avoid traffic jams in the port city, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will inaugurate the first section of the unique high-speed corridor Malir Expressway tomorrow.

The initial 9.1-km stretch from Korangi Causeway to Shah Faisal Interchange was a major milestone in improving Karachi's infrastructure, which would help ensure better connectivity and traffic flow.

The two-way and three-lane 40km-long Malir Expressway, built under a public-private partnership (PPP), would connect Korangi Creek Avenue (DHA) to Kathore near the M-9 Motorway (Superhighway). This project would significantly reduce travel time and provide a vital link for commuters.

The first phase includes a ramp for faster traffic flow, along with a connecting flyover from Korangi, which is expected to be completed within two months.

Road rehabilitation projects at Jam Sadiq Interchange, EBM and Shah Faisal Interchanges are in full swing. Encroachments have been removed at Quaidabad Interchange and construction is in progress.

Officials briefing the CM and his team said that the toll plaza will manage traffic flow, charging cars and jeeps R100 and heavy vehicles Rs200. Security arrangements include traffic police, fire brigade, and Rescue 1122 ambulances patrolling the area. The Chief Minister has directed law enforcement agencies to deploy district and traffic police at key entry and exit points, including Jam Sadiq, EBM, and Shah Faisal Interchanges. Dedicated traffic police will patrol both sides of the expressway to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The Shah Faisal Interchange to Shah Faisal Colony Bridge section has been declared a No Parking Zone. The expressway will only allow commercial vehicles, cars, jeeps, and buses, while motorcycles and rickshaws are strictly prohibited to use it.