Roving mechanics ease traffic woes

As the morning rush intensifies on the capital's bustling main roads and busy link routes, a novel solution is quietly transforming the daily commute for hundreds of motorcyclists.

With traffic congestion peaking during office and school hours, many two-wheeler riders often find themselves stranded by sudden mechanical problems — punctured tyres, low air pressure, or minor breakdowns.

Now, however, a growing fleet of mobile mechanics — who have converted their own motorcycles into mini repair shops — is offering an innovative lifeline. These roving roadside saviours, mostly young men without access to fixed workshop premises, patrol the city's main arteries, providing swift and affordable assistance to stranded riders at the very moment they need it most.

One such mechanic, Gul Zaman, has become a familiar figure along Faisal Avenue, particularly between the I-8 underpass and Zero Point. With a full set of tools strapped securely to his motorbike, Zaman provides everything from tyre puncture repairs and air-filling to more technical fixes.

"I usually start my day around eight in the morning and stay on the road until ten at night," Zaman said. "This work allows me to earn a decent living while also helping people who are in a real rush."

A father of three, Zaman explained that the mobile mechanic model has proved far more rewarding than working in a fixed-location shop.

"Instead of being stuck with a set wage, I now earn between Rs1,200 and Rs2,000 a day — or more, depending on the workload," he said with a smile. "Plus, I feel more independent and free in how I serve my customers."

For commuters, the service has been a game-changer. With limited options for immediate roadside help during peak hours, many bikers would previously lose precious time pushing their motorcycles long distances in search of a repair shop—if one happened to be open. Now, the sight of a mechanic on a bike can mean the difference between being late and arriving on time.

"I was in a real fix this morning when my bike tyre punctured near Zero Point," recalled Ali Raza, a commuter. "I didn't know what to do until I spotted this mechanic on a bike. He fixed the tyre in no time, and I still made it to the office on schedule. It was a real blessing."