Dark and deadly

The state of Karachi’s highways paints a grim picture of mismanagement and poor planning. My recent journey from Falcon Complex to Scheme 33 via the highway was nothing short of alarming. As my husband and I took what seemed like the better route, we were met with complete darkness. The absence of proper lighting on such a crucial road left me shocked. How are people expected to travel safely under such hazardous conditions? The most baffling part was the so-called ‘alternative’ in place — the solar lights. Who approved this failed project? Out of all the installed solar lights, only one was functioning, while another flickered dimly meters away. This sporadic and inadequate lighting makes the highway a serious safety hazard. A road of this scale demands bright, golden streetlights, not weak and unreliable solar alternatives. The decision to implement this system without ensuring its efficacy is both disappointing and dangerous.

Beyond the issue of lighting, another pressing concern is traffic regulation. Karachi highway users are charged a hefty Rs700 per car in toll tax, yet, in return, they are met with poorly managed road conditions. Heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) and light transport vehicles (LTVs) move together without any designated lanes, leading to reckless overtaking and increased accident risks. Proper lane segregation and strict monitoring are crucial to preventing chaos on the road. It is time for authorities to take responsibility. If safety is a priority, then urgent measures must be taken to install effective lighting, enforce lane discipline, and regulate highway traffic. Karachi’s highways should not be death traps — they should be safe, efficient, and worthy of the taxes people pay.

Rukaiya Ashraf Abbasi

Karachi