Karachi has expanded its rickshaw ban to twenty-six major roads as traffic problems continue to rise across the busy city. The decision follows growing concerns from officials and commuters about daily congestion that slows movement during peak hours. Authorities believe widening the restrictions will help bring a smoother flow on several important routes. This move reflects an urgent need to manage traffic wisely in the city.
Decision Backed by Officials
The new order was announced by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi after reviewing a detailed report from DIG Traffic Peer Muhammad Shah. The directive, enforced under Section 144 of the CrPC, extends an earlier ban that was first introduced on October 17. Officials say the expanded list aims to control movement on key roads where frequent jams cause long delays and rising frustration for drivers.
New Roads Added to the Ban
Six more important roads have now been added to the restrictions, bringing the total to twenty-six high-traffic corridors across Karachi. These include Shahrah-e-Faisal, II Chundrigar Road, Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Shershah Suri Road, Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Stadium Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, University Road, and Korangi Road. Officials say these routes experience some of the most intense congestion each day, especially during mornings and evenings when traffic peaks sharply.
Goal to Improve Traffic Flow
Authorities explain that the expanded ban aims to improve overall flow on Karachi’s busiest arteries, many of which constantly remain blocked because of mixed traffic and poor lane discipline. By reducing rickshaw movement in these areas, officials expect faster travel times and fewer gridlock moments for regular commuters. They also hope the restrictions will support emergency vehicles that often struggle to move quickly through intersections.
Congestion Continues to Rise
The expansion comes at a time when Karachi faces growing pressure on its old road network, which is unable to handle the increasing number of vehicles entering the city every year. Long daily traffic jams have become routine, causing stress for workers and students who rely on public transport for travel. The authorities believe targeted steps like these can bring small but meaningful improvements overall.
Additional Rules for Heavy Vehicles
Along with the rickshaw ban, the Sindh government has tightened other rules for heavy transport to ease pressure on main corridors. A daytime ban has been placed on heavy vehicles, and a speed limit of thirty kilometers per hour now applies to HTVs in sensitive zones. Officials hope these combined steps will help restore order, reduce delays, and give commuters a smoother daily experience today.
