The Karachi Commissioner has imposed a two-month ban on rickshaws across 20 key roads in the city. The decision, based on a recommendation from the DIG Traffic, will affect both 3-seater and 5-seater rickshaws.
A notification issued by the Commissioner’s office outlines that traffic police have been given full authority to enforce the ban. The new restrictions are part of efforts to streamline traffic flow and reduce delays in busy areas of the city.
According to the notification, some of the most impacted areas include Shahrah-e-Faisal, where rickshaws will not be allowed from Avari Signal to Madam Apartments. Likewise, on II Chundrigar Road, rickshaws are now banned between Tower and Shaheen Complex.
Other restricted zones include Shahrah-e-Quaideen (from Numaish to Nursery), University Road (from Safoora Goth to Jail Chowrangi), and Rashid Minhas Road (from Drug Road to Sohrab Goth). Major intersections like Hassan Square, Jail Chowrangi, and Quaidabad are also part of the ban list.
Additionally, routes like the FTC to Korangi Crossing, Millennium to New Town Police Station, and areas around the Mazar of Abdullah Shah Ghazi are also covered under the ban. Roads near industrial and commercial hubs such as Korangi, SITE, and Saddar have also been marked for restriction.
The move comes after growing concerns from commuters and traffic authorities over the impact of slow-moving rickshaws on traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
Authorities believe that limiting rickshaw movement in these high-traffic areas will improve road safety and shorten commute times. However, the ban has raised concerns among rickshaw drivers and daily commuters who rely on these vehicles for affordable transport.
The ban is set to remain in place for two months, after which the situation will be reviewed for further decisions.
Public transport alternatives are being encouraged in the meantime, and traffic police have been advised to guide commuters and manage traffic smoothly during this period.
