Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi has initiated a comprehensive traffic engineering and mobility enhancement project to address persistent congestion at Defence Mor, one of the city's busiest intersections. According to a spokesperson, the CTO conducted multiple site inspections, traffic flow assessments, and operational reviews in coordination with relevant stakeholders to devise long-term solutions.
Consultations and Proposed Plan
Extensive consultations were held with the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) and Walton Cantonment Board to evaluate existing road infrastructure and implement engineering-based interventions for sustainable congestion management. Under the proposed plan, the turning lane at Defence Mor will be widened from 22 feet to 33 feet, increasing vehicle handling capacity from 6,000 to approximately 9,000 vehicles per hour.
Expected Improvements
The upgraded road geometry and improved traffic channelisation are expected to raise average travel speeds from 15-20 km/h to 40-45 km/h, significantly reducing queues and waiting times. Vehicle queues currently stretching 400-600 metres are likely to shrink to 100-150 metres, while average crossing time is expected to drop from 85-110 seconds to 45-60 seconds.
CTO Abdul Raheem Shirazi stated that the initiative will substantially improve commuter mobility, reducing average travel time from five to six minutes to two to three minutes. Smoother traffic flow and reduced idling will also lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The CTO reaffirmed his commitment to data-driven traffic management solutions and inter-agency coordination for long-term mobility improvements at Defence Mor and other key Lahore intersections.
