THE ongoing, never-ending construction on University Road for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project continues to have a significantly negative impact on thousands of daily commuters. Whenever a road project begins, alternative routes are established first to ensure minimal disruption in vehicular traffic. Failure to do so creates major blockages and inconve-niences to the people. In the current case, no alternative routes were ever planned.

The closure of U-turns has forced the commuters to take long detours, leading to significant delays and increased travel times. Abrupt closure of various portions of the road has worsened the situation further.

All the lanes and streets running parallel to the road are in a bad shape, particularly after the monsoon showers, adding to the misery of the people.

Simple measures, such as merging side roads with the main road or making temporary adjustments, could have significantly eased congestion in the area. But nothing of the sort has been done. Nothing is being planned either.

Proper planning, including the establishment of alternative routes as well as traffic management strategies, should be the top priority of the provincial government to ensure smooth progress of the project and minimise mass inconvenience.

Prof (Dr) Zaid Pirzado
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2024