KARACHI is a mega city with numerous challenges. As per this writer’s view the transit system should be highest on the authorities’ priority list. One can easily witness epic traffic jams on a daily basis anywhere and at any time during the day. Our current transportation system is getting worse by the day and the administration has yet to meet this challenge. One can see no progress in this regard.

As a result, one can notice regular blockades in Liaquatabad, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gurumandir, M.A. Jinnah Road, Soldier Bazaar, Saddar, I.I. Chundrigar Road etc. Due to the huge number of automobiles on the road, not only are the citizens affected, this also affects the city’s economy and the environment in the form of air pollution.

Our quality of life is being affected because of these gridlocks. It is indeed time to reflect upon the factors which cause traffic snarl-ups so that we can rectify and minimise them. Otherwise, in the summer heat, regular commuters will observe minor clashes on the roads almost daily as people lose their temper and get frustrated.

In the past there were limited automobiles on the roads but due to the commercial leasing facility the numbers of vehicles has increased. Some efficient planning is required to control the increasing numbers of vehicles.

Failure to manage the flow of traffic can also be traced to the absence of traffic police or wardens. Their presence is very important; it is an influential factor to minimise traffic congestion. However, unfortunately, on most roads these officers are seen unnecessarily engaged with bike riders instead of controlling traffic.

Encroachments are another major cause of traffic gridlock. For example, on the Patel Para road auto-rickshaw workshops have occupied significant portions of the road. However, nobody dares to take action against these encroachments because they apparently give set ‘charges’ to the right people in authority, which go directly into private pockets instead of the government’s account.

In this scenario, we need to identify ways that can lead towards an efficient transport system and assure the smooth flow of traffic on the roads. First, we should ensure the removal of illegal encroachments to expand the roads. A light rail system can be designed to link far-flung areas to the city centre to facilitate commuters. Furthermore, the construction of parking plazas can be a helpful strategy for reducing the parking pressure on the roads. The authorities should introduce charges in order to improve road management just as in London.

It is time to design an intelligent traffic management system to meet our needs before this problem gets out of control. It is recommended that all government departments related to transport reflect on these suggestions for better performance and improvement in the quality of life of the citizens.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2015

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