From bike lanes to smart signals: Karachi’s traffic plan puts commuters first

Karachi commuters may soon notice major changes on the city’s roads as the Karachi Traffic Police rolls out a series of reforms aimed at reducing accidents and improving traffic flow.

DIG Traffic Karachi Peer Muhammad Shah shared details of the initiatives at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday, highlighting how technology and stricter enforcement will transform daily travel.

Smart traffic management

A central part of the plan is the Karachi Traffic Management Company (KTMC), which will oversee traffic engineering in the city.

The introduction of smart traffic signals is a major step. Each signal will cost around Rs7.5 million, and Karachi needs about 400 signals, bringing the total estimated investment to Rs30 billion. These signals are expected to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, benefiting millions of daily commuters.

Shah stressed that the CEO should hold a PhD or Master’s in traffic management to ensure expert oversight. Using the revenue collected from e-challans, the city’s traffic map could be transformed within two years.

E-challans and enforcement

DIG Shah highlighted that the e-challan system is already making a difference. Traffic-related accidents have dropped from 96 to 46 per month. He noted that fines are structured to enforce compliance rather than penalise ability to pay, and first-time offenders can get their fines waived through digital facilitation at 11 service centres.

He also warned that hiding number plates will now trigger FIRs, and heavy enforcement on Shahrah-e-Faisal — equipped with multiple cameras — will ensure that motorists follow rules, including adhering to the 60 km/h speed limit.

Heavy vehicle safety

Dumpers and other heavy vehicles will face stricter fitness and tracking checks. GPS trackers are now mandatory, and vehicles without them will not be allowed on city roads. The DIG explained that winter increases accident risk due to tyre and brake issues, so fitness inspections will be prioritised.

The Sindh Transport Department is also modernising vehicle inspections, with four commercial vehicle fitness centres planned across Karachi.

Bicycle and motorcycle lanes

To make commuting safer for all, motorcycles will be directed to dedicated bike lanes on Shahrah-e-Faisal starting in December. This step aims to reduce accidents and create a smoother flow for both two-wheelers and larger vehicles.

For ordinary commuters, these measures promise a safer and more predictable daily journey. Families, office-goers, and delivery workers stand to benefit from fewer accidents, shorter travel times, and better guidance through city roads. The DIG emphasised that the success of these reforms relies not just on enforcement but on cultivating respect for the rules — “if people are not afraid of the system, change cannot happen.”