KARACHI:
Anticipating heavy monsoon showers and possible urban flooding, Karachi Traffic Police on Wednesday rolled out a detailed diversion plan aimed at keeping traffic moving and minimizing disruption for commuters.
Tariq Road Declared ‘No Parking Zone’
As part of the contingency plan, Tariq Road has been declared a No Parking Zone on both sides. Officials said the road will act as an alternative corridor if Shahrah-e-Faisal becomes impassable due to waterlogging. The police urged citizens, shopkeepers, and traders’ associations to extend full cooperation by avoiding parking along Tariq Road.
District Central Diversions
In District Central, where the stretch between Power House Chowrangi and Nagan Chowrangi is notorious for heavy flooding, alternative routes have been laid out.
- Motorists traveling from Rashid Minhas Road can take a U-turn at Godhra, then proceed via Shafiq Mor towards New Karachi.
- From Sakhi Hassan Chowrangi to Nagan Chowrangi, commuters are advised to use Qalandaria Chowk and Anda Mor to reach 4K Chowrangi.
- Traffic from Board Office will be rerouted via KDA Chowrangi towards Shahrah Noor Jehan.
Residents of North Nazimabad Blocks N, H, and I have been advised to travel through Imtiaz Supermarket, then proceed via Mujahid Colony, Ziauddin Hospital, Saifee College, Landhi Kotal, and Peoples Chowrangi before heading towards Shafiq Mor and New Karachi.
High-Risk Flooding Points
Officials also flagged several hotspots where severe waterlogging is expected during heavy rains, including Nursery, Lal Kothi, Baloch Colony, Karsaz, Drigh Road underpass, Kala Pul, and Madam Cut.
In such cases, commuters may use alternative corridors such as Sindhi Muslim Society, Allah Wali Chowrangi, Char Minar, PTV Station, Aga Khan Road, Stadium Road, Millennium Mall, Johar Chowrangi, Rabia City, Habib University, Pehlwan Goth, and Airport routes.
Routes for Defence and Airport Traffic
For commuters traveling from Defence to Jinnah International Airport, police suggested using routes through Qayyumabad, Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Shah Faisal Colony, Shama Shopping Mall, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and Star Gate.
Those coming from Malir Halt and Anwar Baloch Hotel can also access the Airport via Shahrah-e-Bhutto.
For return journeys from the Airport, traffic police advised avoiding Madam Apartments, instead using the old terminal’s internal road network through Star Gate, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Colony Gate, and Shama Shopping Centre, before rejoining Shahrah-e-Bhutto and continuing towards Qayyumabad and Defence.
Routes Towards Tower and Gulshan
For commuters heading towards Garden or Tower, the plan suggests using the Model Colony graveyard route leading to Jinnah Avenue, then continuing via Super Highway and Lyari Expressway to reach Mauripur or Tower.
Similarly, those traveling to Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Gulistan-e-Jauhar have been advised to use Jinnah Avenue via Race Course.
Police Appeal for Cooperation
Karachi Traffic Police stressed that the plan has been carefully designed to minimize congestion during the expected downpours. Citizens were urged to follow official instructions, respect diversions, and cooperate with on-duty officers for their own safety and smooth travel.
