The Karachi administration has approved a major initiative to modernise the city’s traffic management system by computerising traffic signals and introducing digital meters in rickshaws to improve traffic flow and public transport services.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Board chaired by Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi.
Officials informed the meeting that work on upgrading traffic signals has already started to help reduce congestion across the city. In the first phase, five major intersections will be equipped with computerised traffic signals, with installations beginning at PIDC, Sindh Club, and Avari Towers.
The commissioner also revealed that 12 of the city’s 16 previously non-functional traffic signals have been restored and are now operational.
The RTA Board further approved the installation of digital meters in rickshaws to promote transparent fare collection and improve convenience for passengers.
During the meeting, Commissioner Hassan Naqvi also directed the RTA to introduce new bus routes based on commuters’ travel requirements to ease transportation challenges and provide better public transit services for Karachi residents.
Separately, the Punjab Communication and Works (C&W) Department has launched a province-wide initiative to curb vehicle overloading through stricter axle load monitoring.
Under the plan, Mobile Weight Management Systems (MWMS) will be deployed on major highways to identify overloaded vehicles. The department also plans to introduce a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for long-term axle load management.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Punjab Communication Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bherth, attended by senior officials from the department.
Officials said MWMS units will be installed at several locations, including Kallar Kahar, Choa Saidan Shah Road, Tarbela, Dhok Haliyar in Attock district, Lillah-Jhelum Road, Multan-Vehari Road, and Jhang-Shorkot Road.
The minister directed authorities to take strict legal action against vehicles found violating axle load limits, saying improved enforcement would help enhance road safety while protecting the province’s road infrastructure from premature damage.
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