Karachi is set to introduce computerized traffic signals and digital fare meters in rickshaws as part of efforts to improve traffic management and make public transport more organized, Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi said on Wednesday.
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The announcement was made during a meeting of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Board, chaired by the commissioner, Syed Hassan Naqvi.
According to Commissioner Karachi, the first phase of the computerized traffic signal project will cover major intersections at PIDC, Sindh Club (Metro Hotel) and Avari Towers.
The next phase will include traffic signals at Teen Talwar and Boat Basin.
The commissioner said computerized signals would allow authorities to manage traffic pressure more effectively and improve vehicle movement on major roads.
The system is expected to help authorities respond more efficiently to changing traffic conditions and reduce congestion at busy intersections.
Also Read: Karachi to expand AI traffic
enforcement system on major roads
The RTA Board was also informed about ongoing efforts to restore damaged traffic signals across Karachi.
According to the commissioner, 12 of the city’s 16 non-functional traffic signals have been restored, while repair work on the remaining four is currently underway.
The restoration of traffic signals is expected to improve traffic regulation and road safety at several intersections.
The RTA Board also decided to introduce digital fare meters in rickshaws to address complaints about overcharging and arbitrary fares.
Under the proposed system, passengers will be able to pay fares based on the distance travelled, rather than negotiating fares with drivers.
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Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi said the digital meter system would help establish greater transparency in rickshaw fares and provide passengers with a more predictable payment system.
During the meeting, the commissioner also directed authorities to develop new bus routes based on public demand.
He said priority should be given to suburban and underserved areas that lack adequate public transport connections.
According to the commissioner, future routes should be designed around citizens’ transportation needs and efficient connectivity rather than simply focusing on covering longer distances.
Earlier to this, the traffic police in Karachi plan to expand their artificial intelligence-powered (AI) traffic enforcement system to Airport Road, Clifton, and the Do and Teen Talwar junctions by August 2026, according to DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah.
He said the lane violation detection system is currently being piloted on Shahrah-e-Faisal, one of the city’s busiest roads, using 20 high-resolution Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras operating around the clock up to Drigh Road.
