Daily Times

KARACHI: Crippling traffic jams in different areas of the city, especially Saddar and Regal Chowk areas greeted the holy month of Ramzan, creating immense problems for citizens.

Annoying traffic jams were witnessed in different parts of the city, including NIPA Chowrangi, Hassan Square, New M A Jinnah Road, Saddar, Empress Market, Preedy and Regal Chowk areas. Motorists and commuters have to wait for long time due to traffic jams. Though traffic police was present on roads but not capable to control unruly traffic.

Roadside encroachments of vendors, illegal parking sites, wrong flow of traffic and violation of no-parking rule aggravated the traffic problems. Ongoing construction and repair of different roads including the Shahra-e-Jamia and Shahra-e-Faisal also contributed in traffic congestion issues.

However, busy area of Saddar was amongst the most affected areas of traffic jams. The government is not focusing on traffic engineering solutions to reduce traffic congestion in Saddar and surrounding areas.

The plan to make the Empress Market area as pedestrian zone is still in limbo, while the idea of constructing small street level flyovers is not being considered seriously.

It has been suggested that at least three street level small flyovers in Saddar area should be erected to ensure smooth traffic flow in this congested area and save precious time and fuel of citizens.

Three small flyovers on intersections of the Shahrah-e-Liquat/ Preedy Street and Dr Duadpota Road, Zaibunnisa Street and Abdullah Haroon Road would improve traffic flow not only in Saddar area but also in the surrounding localities at least by 80percent. It would also reduce smoke and noise pollution and help in making this area more live able.

The concept of small flyovers and overhead bridges over busy streets is popular in all urban cities of the world. It is a proven method of reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility. This concept should also be introduced in Karachi, beginning from the busiest South district.

The KMC, DMC and Containment Boards should play their due role in construction of small overhead bridges and flyovers in Saddar area to facilitate citizens.