KARACHI, Aug 5: Traffic jams have now become a regular feature at the Lea Market due to traffic congestion at M A Jinnah Road, ever since the authorities have introduced new routes for transport operators.

One of the main arteries connecting Lyari Town with Saddar Town is North Napiers Road linking Lea Market with Desno Hall. It is observed that traffic on North Napiers Road has never been smooth because of hectic commercial activity as it is being housed with several markets and business establishments and touches city’s lower and district courts and the city government offices. To add to the miseries of the people, inter-city and upcountry transporters also use this route to arrive at Lea Market.

But nowadays the situation is aggravating because of congestion at M A Jinnah Road, causing worst traffic jams on the Napiers route affecting all routes leading to Lea Market and Lyari Town.

The situation gets even worse at the Lea Market roundabout because of buses, coaches and wagons parked in a haphazard way flouting all traffic rules and regulations, thus creating a mess on all link roads leading to the market including Sheedi Village Road, Chawkiwara Road and G. Allana Road. In fact, Lea Market has been converted into a big bus terminus being virtually controlled by transport mafia.

The unnatural division of Lyari Town, depriving it of its main commercial areas—Lea Market and Timber Market—and merging it into Saddar Town has further complicated the problem of administrative control.

Area people have urged the city government to take effective measures to remove the illegal bus terminals around the market area and advise the traffic authorities to take steps for traffic management.