Karachi — In a bid to curb road accidents and bring order to the city’s often chaotic traffic, Karachi’s traffic authorities have rolled out new speed limits across all major roads. The initiative is part of a broader plan to modernize the city’s traffic management system with smart surveillance and automated monitoring.
According to DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah, motorcycles and light transport vehicles (LTVs) will now be restricted to a maximum speed of 60 kilometres per hour, while heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) such as buses and trucks must not exceed 30 kilometres per hour. The move, he said, aims to instill discipline among drivers and reduce the growing number of speed-related incidents on Karachi’s roads.
To enforce these regulations, the department has begun installing advanced speed-monitoring cameras at strategic points throughout the city. These systems will automatically record violations and issue e-challans to offenders. Additionally, around 10,000 heavy vehicles are being equipped with GPS trackers connected to the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) for real-time monitoring.
Currently, TRACS is operational in nearly 40% of Karachi, including Sharae Faisal and several parts of District South. The system not only identifies overspeeding but also flags violations such as signal jumping, wrong-way driving, and failure to wear helmets or seat belts.
Authorities have confirmed that the system will soon be expanded to key industrial zones, including SITE, Landhi, Korangi, and New Karachi, by early next year. To build public awareness, a citywide education campaign will launch on November 8, focusing on the importance of responsible driving and road safety.
DIG Shah further revealed that Karachi’s upgraded Traffic Management System is expected to be fully operational by 2026, ensuring smoother traffic flow, fewer accidents, and fair enforcement for all regardless of status or position.
