Karachi's e-challan system made operational; Rs13m fines issued in just six hours

Accustomed to the relaxed implementation of the traffic regulations in Karachi, the city dwellers got a rude awakening when the much talked about Traffic Regulation and Citation System actually became operational.

Within just six hours of its launch in the metropolis, the faceless Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) automatically generated more than 2,600 e-tickets amounting to over Rs13 million for various traffic violations.

According to DIG Traffic Police Peer Muhammad Shah, the new automated system utilises cutting-edge surveillance technology, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Intelligent Transport System (ITS), and Facial Recognition (FR) cameras, all integrated under the Safe City Authority to identify and fine traffic violators.

The DIG added that modern surveillance cameras have so far been installed in 30 per cent of the city's areas, with work in the remaining zones expected to be completed soon.

Currently, major arteries and areas — including Sharah-e-Faisal, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Chowrangi, and Qayyumabad Chowrangi — are covered. The total number of advanced cameras is expected to reach 12,000 in the coming phase.

He clarified that e-challans will be issued only on fully compliant roads, such as those equipped with lane markings, zebra crossings, stop lines, and traffic signals. Roads lacking these basic facilities will not be included in the e-ticketing system.

According to the breakup, the issued e-challans include 1,535 for seatbelt violations, 507 for riding bikes without helmets, 419 for overspeeding, 166 for red-light jumping, 32 for mobile phone use while driving, four for stop line violations, three for lane line violations, seven for tinted windows, five for wrong parking, five for stopping vehicles in no-parking zones, and three for one-way violations.

DIG Shah revealed that heavy vehicles, including trucks, dumpers, trailers, tankers, and large buses, will now be required to install trackers linked directly to the DIG Traffic Office. The system will automatically issue challans if a heavy vehicle exceeds 30 km/h. He termed the initiative a “revolutionary step” by the Sindh government to curb road accidents caused by reckless driving. Currently, trackers have been installed in 10,000 out of 22,000 large vehicles operating in the city.

From November 1, any heavy vehicle found operating without a tracker will face a fine of Rs100,000, while speeding violations by such vehicles will attract fines of up to Rs20,000 each. The DIG announced that the traffic police have signed an agreement with Pakistan Post to ensure prompt delivery of e-challans. Tickets for violations will reach homes in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas within 24 hours, and in other cities within three days.

He added that citizens can now download the traffic police mobile application or visit the Sindh Police website to register their CNIC numbers. Through this system, users can view all vehicles registered in their name and check for any violations or pending challans. The DIG clarified that not every recorded violation will necessarily result in a fine; however, the data will help citizens identify their mistakes and improve their driving habits.

The minimum fine under the new system is Rs5,000, which can be reduced by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days. The objective, according to the DIG, is not merely punitive but to instil traffic discipline and deterrence among citizens.

DIG Shah further disclosed that, following directives from the chief minister and the home minister, the government will establish the Karachi Traffic Management Company within one month. The company, based on the traffic police’s proposals, aims to ensure better coordination, road discipline, and technological advancement in urban mobility management.

“This system is a milestone in transforming Karachi’s traffic enforcement into a modern, transparent, and efficient framework,” said DIG Shah. “Citizens must realise that the era of manual challans is over — technology will now ensure accountability.”