Karachi’s persistent battle with traffic congestion and rising fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles has prompted the Sindh government to enforce strict restrictions on the entry of dumpers into the city.
Under the new directive, dumpers will only be allowed access to Karachi between 11 PM and 6 AM, restricting their movement during peak hours to reduce accidents and enhance road safety.
This is not the first time that restrictions have been imposed on dumpers. Previous notifications have also limited heavy vehicle movement from midnight to early morning, but legal loopholes and ongoing development projects have often allowed their presence throughout the day.
Dumpers transporting construction materials such as cement, sand, and gravel have been granted entry under the pretext of preventing disruptions to infrastructure projects. However, despite these limitations, the number of dumpers operating in Karachi has surged, leading to a rise in traffic accidents.
Areas like Malir and Korangi have become hotspots for such incidents, with frequent mishaps occurring on major roads such as the National Highway, Super Highway, Sohrab Goth, and Hub Road.
The alarming rise in road fatalities has compelled authorities to take action. In just the past two months, 100 people have died in traffic accidents in Karachi, with 72 fatalities in urban areas and 24 in the suburbs. Among them, eight people lost their lives in four separate dumper-related accidents.
In response, Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah chaired a high-level meeting to address traffic safety concerns.
It was decided that all vehicles operating in Karachi must obtain a QR code certificate from the Transport Department. Heavy vehicles and their drivers will undergo physical verification to ensure compliance with safety standards. The Sindh Solid Waste Management Board has also been instructed to shift its operations to nighttime within the next three months.
Additionally, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board’s tankers will be inspected within a month for safety compliance. A fourfold increase in traffic fines has been proposed to curb violations, and reckless drivers will face FIRs alongside fines to ensure accountability.
Water tankers play a vital role in Karachi’s water supply, yet concerns have been raised about their unrestricted movement. These tankers operate 24/7, despite hydrants not being functional around the clock. There is a pressing need to designate operating hours to regulate their movement and prevent them from contributing to traffic congestion and accidents.
Another major factor worsening Karachi’s traffic woes is the rapid increase in motorcycles and Qingqi rickshaws. The city has over 4.3 million motorcycles, with more than 100,000 new registrations annually.
The lack of a viable public transport system has forced citizens to rely heavily on motorcycles, leading to congested roads and frequent accidents. An estimated 55% of all road accidents in Karachi involve motorcyclists.
The unregulated rise of Qingqi rickshaws has further worsened traffic problems, as these vehicles operate without proper oversight.
While Lahore has introduced dedicated motorcycle lanes, Karachi’s attempt at a similar initiative lasted only a week. Experts suggest that sustained awareness campaigns, in collaboration with NGOs and media, are essential to instill traffic discipline among citizens.
Developing an efficient public transport system is crucial to reducing dependence on motorcycles and Qingqi rickshaws. Strict regulations must be enforced on heavy vehicles, including maintaining a comprehensive database of dumpers and their drivers.
Continuous traffic awareness campaigns should be launched to educate citizens on road safety. Transparency in road planning and infrastructure development is essential to ensure the success of these measures.
