Karachi chokes under traffic gridlocks
Traffic gridlock from Baloch Colony Expressway to Qayyumabad Chowrangi in Karachi on Thursday. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Commuters endured hours-long traffic gridlocks on Thursday as closure of key routes paralyzed vehicular movement on major arteries linking Korangi, Defence, and central Karachi.
The closure of Korangi Crossing, Malir River Causeway, and EBM Causeway due to floodwaters disrupted the flow of traffic from early morning until late at night. Massive traffic congestion was reported on Korangi Road, Qayyumabad Chowrangi, Jam Sadiq Bridge, Baloch Colony Expressway, Brooks Chowrangi, and Defence Signal, where vehicles remained stuck in long queues for hours.
“It was a nightmare. I left home at 8am for work and didn’t make it to the office even by noon,” said a frustrated commuter stuck near Qayyumabad. “There was no traffic management, no guidance—just chaos.”
Traffic turns chaotic near Qayyumabad Chowrangi after commuters endure hours-long gridlock. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Commuters heading to work and schools faced immense difficulties as the city’s traffic management system appeared to collapse under pressure. Many were forced to abandon public transport and continue on foot, while motorcycle riders could be seen jumping pavements and medians in an effort to find a way out.
Public transport was also severely affected, with buses and minibuses stuck in the gridlock, leaving hundreds—particularly women—waiting for hours at stops like Qayyumabad Chowrangi. The situation was further exacerbated by a lack of visible traffic police presence on key intersections and alternate routes.
Residents blamed poor urban planning and the authorities’ failure to respond proactively to the rain forecast. “The administration knew flooding was likely, yet there was no viable traffic diversion plan. We paid the price in wasted fuel, lost time, and stress,” said another resident stranded on Baloch Colony Expressway.
Citizens have urged the Karachi Traffic Police and municipal authorities to devise a robust contingency plan to manage traffic during monsoon emergencies, warning that the current approach is unsustainable and dangerous.