The holy month of Ramadan 2019 is here and the traffic situation in Karachi has worsened.
From Sehri and Iftar, there is constant hustling and bustling on food streets as Karachhites are carrying on Eid shopping and salon trips, leaving roads jam-packed.
According to recent news, Javed Ali Mahar, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Traffic Karachi has instructed officials to ban the entrance of auto-rickshaws and taxis on Tariq Road, P.E.C.H.S after 15th Ramzan.
He carried out the order on Thursday, May 9th, 2019, owing to the increased traffic flow for Eid shopping.
Today, DIGP Traffic Javed Ali Mahar meeting with representative of Tariq Road Association in DIGP Traffic Office Karachi.
TRAFFIC AWARENESS & SOCIAL MEDIA UNIT DIG TRAFFIC KARACHI.https://t.co/1a8nVx2fiJ pic.twitter.com/A2fIpMKNMh
— Karachitrafficpolice (@KtrafficpoliceE) May 9, 2019
He also met with representatives of Tariq Road traders’ association to discuss how the flow of traffic on the road can be improved during Ramadan 2019.
The issue of parking was also discussed, so that masses visiting Tariq Road for shopping may not face traffic jams the way they usually do at this time of the year.
The Reason Behind Karachi’s Poor Traffic Plan
The traffic situation of any area depends greatly on the rules and supervision overseen by the administration.
Karachi’s culture of traffic mainly consists of chaos and congestion, mainly owing to factors like:
- Drivers breaking traffic signals and laws
- Increase in the use of cell phones while driving
- Mismanagement and negligence by Traffic Police
- The condition of roads and subsequent blocking of roads due to construction
While the majority reportedly uses private vehicles for commuting, para-transit (Rickshaw, Taxis) is also a relatively common mode of transport in Karachi.
It is para-transit that is mostly highlighted as one of the major hindrances on places like Tariq Road.
Good News or Bad?
It is good news for those who have the privilege of owning private cars, as they will not have to face traffic jams and better parking spots will be available.
However, it is going to make Eid shopping difficult or those who depend mainly on rickshaws and taxis for transport.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.