Karachi’s new automated traffic enforcement system is facing significant operational challenges. The e-challan initiative is being undermined by a large number of non-functional traffic signals across the city.
A recent survey conducted in November revealed the scale of the problem. It found that only 39 of Karachi’s 89 traffic signals were fully operational.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Traffic Police, Peer Muhammad Shah, provided an update. He stated that the number of working signals has since increased to 69 due to repair efforts. Despite these repairs, a significant portion of the signal network remains broken. This creates a major obstacle for the automated Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS).
DIG Shah emphasised that Karachi urgently needs an infrastructure upgrade. The city requires 400 new AI-equipped traffic signals for effective management. The estimated cost for this modernisation is approximately Rs 1.25 billion. This investment would bring Karachi closer to other major cities.
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For comparison, Mumbai operates 569 LED traffic signals. New Delhi manages a network of 2,160 signals. The e-challan system has faced criticism since its launch on October 27. Critics point to the lack of adequate infrastructure to support the high-tech enforcement.
Several citizens have reported receiving erroneous fines. One individual was ticketed for not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle that was stolen four years ago.
Another challenger highlighted a glaring administrative error. The number plate in the violation photo did not match the plate number in the challan text.
These incidents have raised questions about the system’s accuracy. Officials plan to install 400 new automated intelligent signals to address the core infrastructure problem.
