The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has decided to upgrade the city’s traffic signal system to an international standard by introducing smart traffic signals across major roads in a phased development plan aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion in Pakistan’s largest city.
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According to Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, the initiative will begin with the installation of advanced smart traffic signals on key arteries, with the Municipal Commissioner instructed to immediately initiate the procurement process. The project is part of a broader effort to modernize urban infrastructure and improve traffic management in the metropolis.
In the first phase, Karachi’s Red Zone and I.I. Chundrigar Road will be developed as model corridors for the new system. These areas, which experience heavy daily traffic and commercial activity, will serve as pilot zones to test the efficiency and impact of the upgraded signals.
The second phase will extend the smart traffic system to M.A. Jinnah Road, one of the city’s busiest routes, followed by expansion to other major and high-traffic roads across Karachi. Officials said the gradual rollout will allow authorities to monitor performance and make adjustments before wider implementation.
Mayor Wahab emphasized that improving traffic regulation is essential alongside infrastructure development. He noted that effective traffic management could significantly reduce urban mobility issues and improve commute times for residents.
He added that the smart system will help regulate traffic more efficiently through automated controls, reducing reliance on manual signal operations and minimizing delays at busy intersections.
The initiative is also expected to improve road safety, enhance fuel efficiency by reducing idle time, and contribute to better environmental conditions by lowering vehicle emissions caused by traffic congestion.
City authorities believe that the adoption of international-standard smart traffic systems will mark an important step toward transforming Karachi into a more modern and efficiently managed urban center.
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Officials have assured that all phases of the project will be closely monitored to ensure transparency, efficiency, and timely completion.