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Weekly Traffic Roundup: Fog Disruptions, Infrastructure Boosts & New Transit Rules

Carr.pk
Carr.pk
3 min read
Weekly Traffic Roundup: Fog Disruptions, Infrastructure Boosts & New Transit Rules - Carr.pk

Welcome to this week’s local traffic news roundup. The first week of 2026 has been defined by hazardous winter weather and significant government moves to modernize public transit and clear administrative backlogs. Here is everything you need to know to stay safe and compliant on the roads.

Federal: Infrastructure and Green Transit

Islamabad is focusing on both easing bottlenecks and expanding eco-friendly travel options.

  • Smart Underpass at Kashmir Chowk: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has given the CDA a 10-day deadline to finalize the design for a new “smart underpass” at Kashmir Chowk to address chronic congestion.
  • Electric Bus Milestone: The city’s electric bus service is seeing record adoption, with ridership hitting 102,000 passengers in a single day.
  • M-1 Connection: Progress is being reviewed to link Margalla Avenue with the M-1 Motorway, a project expected to revolutionize traffic flow for those entering the capital from the north.

Punjab: Safety Mandates & Motorway Hazards

In Punjab, the focus remains on seasonal safety and strict enforcement of the “No Mercy” traffic policy.

  • Basant Safety Rods: With the kite-flying season approaching, the Punjab government has made safety rods mandatory for all motorcyclists. Police will impound bikes found on the road without these protective guards.
  • Motorway Closures: Dense fog has paralyzed the plains. The Motorway Police have frequently closed the M2 (Lahore to Kot Momin), M3, M4 (Faisalabad to Multan), and M11 (Sialkot Motorway) during night and early morning hours.
  • Safe Travel Window: Commuters are advised to limit travel to the 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM window when visibility is at its peak.

Sindh: The Return of the Double-Decker

Karachi is witnessing a nostalgic yet modern shift in its public transport landscape.

  • Double-Decker Revival: After 65 years, double-decker buses have returned to Karachi’s streets. The initial fleet is operating on high-demand routes from Malir to Shahrah-e-Faisal and Zainab Market to Model Colony.
  • Fares & Capacity: These AC-equipped buses carry up to 120 passengers, with tickets priced between Rs. 80 and Rs. 120.
  • Road Restoration: The Sindh cabinet has allocated Rs. 9 billion specifically for road development in industrial areas to address the poor condition of the city’s commercial arteries.

KPK: License Breakthrough & Taxi Registration

Major administrative hurdles are being cleared in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to streamline commuter services.

  • License Backlog Clearance: CM Muhammad Sohail Afridi has ordered the printing of 117,000 pending driving licenses within one month. Hazara Division began receiving cards this week, with Peshawar scheduled for later in January.
  • Taxi QR Codes: Peshawar has launched a mandatory QR code sticker system for all private taxis. This initiative is designed to enhance passenger safety and verify driver credentials instantly via smartphone.
  • Enforcement Drive: Over 100 illegal transport services and “speed stations” were shut down this week to reduce congestion on main BRT routes.

Travel Advisory & Tips

  • Check E-Challans: As the new year starts, traffic departments are ramping up digital tracking. Use the PSCA portal to check for any pending E-Challans.
  • Fog Lights: If you must travel early, ensure your fog lights are functional and maintain a significantly larger following distance than usual.
  • Helpline: In case of an emergency or to check road status before leaving, dial the Motorway Police at 130.

Stay Safe: As you navigate the roads this week, remember to check your M-Tag status, watch out for “Basant” threads in Punjab, and keep an eye on the weather apps before heading to the motorways.

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