KARACHI, May 19: Pedestrians continue to brave the traffic hazards despite remodelling of the Purani Numaish intersection on the M. A. Jinnah Road as motorists continue to violate traffic rules with impunity.

The large-sized roundabout was improved and redesigned by the city government under the Khushhal Pakistan Programme through installation of traffic signals and creation of an intersection to end the chaotic situation of the traffic.

The roundabout, part of a major traffic artery between different areas of the city to areas adjoining Saddar and I.I. Chundrigar Road, had been notorious for its persistent traffic jams besides being a constant cause of inconvenience to a large number of commuters.

The traffic on one of the city’s most vital road link had been affected after the city government’s department concerned had closed off approach roads from Jacob Lines and Jutland Lines during the installation of traffic signals. The move, instead of easing pressure of the ever-growing flow of vehicles, had inconvenienced a large number of people besides creating traffic congestion there.

The move, it was learnt, had been necessitated because of the large number of vehicles, originating from these residential areas, impeded the flow of traffic towards Soldier’s Bazaar and Saddar areas.

The work on the intersection was completed in February, 2003 and simultaneously traffic signals had become operational.

Officials of the city government had hoped that the move would relieve pressure of the traffic, eliminate the suffering of motorists as well as commuters besides saving them fuel and precious time.

There was also a hope for improving the environment through reduction of the air-borne pollution.

Motorists from the residential areas of Jacob Lines and Jutland Lines, however, remained undaunted by the closure of the approach roads. At times, five to 10 vehicles could be seen moving towards Soldier’s Bazaar, in the opposite direction of the normal flow of traffic, posing serious threat to the life and property of motorists as well as pedestrians.

Instead of moving with the flow of traffic, these vehicles make abrupt turns, violating traffic rules, resulting in major accidents.—PPI