KARACHI is one of the world’s fastest growing cities and the third biggest in terms of population, and is considered a major transport hub of Pakistan. The city’s transportation system is unpredictable, unstable and uncomfortable and is considered one of the worst public transport systems globally.

In the current scenario, there is a dire need for controlled traffic system to maximise traffic management efficiency. To improve the traffic outcomes within a city, intelligent transportation systems are used. These systems are, generally speaking, combinations of technologies to increase the efficiency of vehicular traffic flow.

They include road transport, travellers’ information, emergency services and commercial services, and mainly focus on electronic sensors, geo-positioning navigation systems, video surveillance devices, vehicle probes and wireless communications in ways that can greatly improve traffic efficiency and safety.

There is also a need for establishing an action plan for deploying intelligent transportation systems through a collaborative system that includes policy and regulations mainly concerned with financial support, standardisation, capacity development and master planning as well as the optimal use of road, traffic, travel data, continuous traffic and freight management. Road safety and security are also needed to be focussed upon.

It is time the government in collaboration with organisations concerned deployed intelligent transportation systems in a sustainable manner to avoid any traffic-related crisis in future.

Ainy Zehra

Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2021