THE ever-increasing traffic jams in Karachi disrupt the lives of citizens, leading to frustration. The consequences of traffic congestion extend far beyond mere inconvenience; they affect people’s productivity, air quality and overall wellbeing.

Traffic jams disturb personal and professional lives, as individuals spend significant portions of their day ensnared in a labyrinth of immobile vehicles.

The reasons behind these traffic snarls are multifaceted, ranging from inadequate infrastructure to a surge in the number of vehicles on the road. It is high time we addressed these issues comprehensively, and implemented effective solutions to alleviate the burden on the commuters.

Investing in robust public transpor-tation systems, promoting carpooling initiatives, and exploring innovative traffic management technologies are few of the strategies that could make a significant difference.

Additionally, urban planning should prioritise creating pedestrian-friendly zones and enhancing alternative trans- portation options to reduce dependency on private vehicles.

The city officials and urban planners should collaborate urgently to devise concrete measures to untangle the web of traffic congestion. The time for proactive solutions is now, before the city roads become permanently clogged arteries, hindering the smooth flow of life. Let us envision a future where our streets are not a cause of frustration, but avenues of progress and connectivity.

Syed Aliyan Hashmi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2023