Karachi Govt Weighs ATC Traffic Management Plan to Fix City Gridlocks

The Karachi traffic management debate has intensified as the city continues to struggle with broken signals and poor coordination. Karachi’s transport system faces daily pressure, and residents deal with long delays on major roads. The government now appears ready to rethink how the city manages its traffic network.

Govt Reviews Fragmented Traffic System

Several agencies currently handle traffic engineering in Karachi. These include the Traffic Engineering Bureau (TEB), the SMTA, cantonment boards, and traffic police. However, this shared system creates confusion and weak accountability.
Sources said the lack of a unified authority slows down road design, signal planning, and repairs. As a result, gridlocks continue across the city. They added that nearly half of Karachi’s 130 traffic signals remain out of order. This affects major routes and increases travel time for everyone.
The government is now considering a new company called the Karachi Traffic Management Company (KTMC). Officials discussed the proposal in high-level meetings. In addition, planners suggested placing the Karachi mayor as chairman and including private-sector experts.
Proposal Suggests New Signal Repairs and Better Coordination
The proposed KTMC would handle all traffic engineering tasks. These include installing new signals, repairing old ones, adding zebra crossings, marking roads, and designing U-turns. Sources also said the TEB would merge into this company.
Officials explained that the company might receive a share of challan revenue. This would help fund new infrastructure. Meanwhile, SMTA continues to install signals and signage. The authority recently added 11 new signals in several areas, including Gulberg, Model Colony, Tipu Sultan Road, and Gurumandir.
The Karachi commissioner said the proposal remains in the “conceptual stage.” However, discussions continue as the city seeks lasting solutions to its daily traffic challenges.