Karachi rolls out smart signals, e-challan system and bike lanes as part of major traffic reforms

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Karachi’s roads, long associated with gridlocks, risky driving, and chaotic intersections, may soon see a visible shift. The Karachi Traffic Police has revealed a series of reforms aimed at making daily travel safer, smoother, and more predictable for millions of commuters. 

Sharing details at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, DIG Traffic Karachi Peer Muhammad Shah explained how technology, stricter enforcement, and better planning will work together to change how the city moves. 

Smart Traffic Management for a Smarter Karachi 

At the heart of the plan is the creation of the Karachi Traffic Management Company (KTMC), which is going to manage traffic engineering and long-term planning for the city’s road network. 

A major highlight is the introduction of smart traffic signals across Karachi. Each smart signal is estimated to cost around Rs 7.5 million, and the city needs about 400 signals, bringing the total expected investment to nearly Rs 30 billion. 

These signals will: 

• Adjust timings based on real-time traffic 

• Reduce long queues at intersections 

• Improve overall traffic flow and fuel efficiency 

DIG Shah stressed that the KTMC’s leadership must be highly qualified — ideally with a PhD or Master’s in traffic management — so that Karachi’s complex traffic challenges are handled professionally, not on guesswork. He added that if e-challan revenue is used correctly, Karachi’s traffic map can be transformed within just two years. 

Read more: 16.5-km, 4-lane elevated freight expressway to connect Karachi Port to Jam Sadiq Interchange

E-Challans, Cameras, and Respect for Rules 

The e-challan system is already showing results. According to DIG Shah, traffic accidents have dropped from 96 to 46 per month, a significant improvement. 

He clarified that the purpose of fines is not to “crush the masses financially,” but to enforce discipline. First-time offenders can even have their fines waived digitally at 11 facilitation centres, making the system firm but fair. 

However, some violations will be taken very seriously. 

• Hiding or tampering with number plates will now lead to FIRs. 

• Shahrah-e-Faisal is under strict monitoring through multiple cameras. 

• The 60 km/h speed limit will be enforced to protect both motorists and pedestrians. 

Safer Heavy Vehicles on City Roads 

Karachi’s roads are often shared with dumpers, trucks, and other heavy vehicles that pose serious risks, especially at night and during winter. To address this, the traffic police has made GPS tracking mandatory for such vehicles. Those without trackers will not be allowed on city roads. 

The DIG highlighted that colder months increase risks due to tyre bursts and brake failures, so vehicle fitness checks will be tightened. The Sindh Transport Department is also setting up four commercial vehicle fitness centres to modernise inspections and ensure only roadworthy vehicles operate in the city. 

Dedicated Lanes for Bikes and Motorcycles 

In a city where motorcycles are the backbone of daily mobility, from office workers to delivery riders, safety has often been neglected. Starting December, motorcycles will be directed to dedicated bike lanes on Shahrah-e-Faisal. 

These lanes aim to: 

• Reduce collisions involving bikes 

• Separate slower two-wheelers from fast-moving cars 

• Make daily commuting less stressful for everyone 

A Safer Future for Everyday Commuters 

For ordinary citizens, these changes are more than just policy announcements — they could mean: 

• Fewer fatal accidents 

• Shorter and more predictable travel times 

• Better-managed intersections and clearer road guidance 

Families heading to school, employees travelling to offices, and riders delivering food or parcels may all feel the difference if the system is executed fully and consistently. 

DIG Shah concluded it: real change will only be possible when people start respecting the rules. Technology, cameras, and smart systems can help, but without a culture of responsibility, no traffic plan is going to prosper 

Karachi’s new traffic reforms are, at their core, about putting commuters first — making the city’s roads not just faster, but safer, fairer, and more humane for everyone who use them.