KARACHI: Following a public awareness campaign on lane discipline, traffic authorities have officially launched an automated faceless challan system on Sharae Faisal. Under the new system, vehicles violating designated lane rules are being issued electronic challans (e-challans).
Lane Management Plan
Under the new lane management plan, the right two lanes are reserved for cars, jeeps, and double-cabin vehicles, while the left two lanes are designated for all commercial vehicles and motorcycles. Traffic police have set fines of Rs2,500 for motorcycles, Rs5,000 for cars, and Rs7,500 for commercial vehicles violating lane restrictions.
Objective of Lane Discipline
Speaking to The Express Tribune, DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah said the primary objective of enforcing lane discipline is to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents by ensuring that motorists remain in their designated lanes.
According to traffic police, the lane management plan is being implemented through a track-based system. Commercial vehicles and motorcycles are required to strictly use the left two lanes. Fast-moving private vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and double-cabins, are prohibited from using these lanes. The right-most lane and the lane immediately adjacent to it have been reserved exclusively for fast-moving private vehicles to ensure smooth and uninterrupted traffic flow.
Selection of Sharae Faisal
DIG Traffic said Sharae Faisal, which stretches approximately 14 kilometres, has been selected for the initiative because of its importance as Karachi's main thoroughfare and the ease of monitoring compliance. He explained that sections of Sharae Faisal consist of either three or four lanes. On four-lane stretches, the two right-side lanes are reserved for cars, jeeps, and double-cabin vehicles, while the two left-side lanes are designated for commercial vehicles and motorcycles. “If a commercial vehicle or motorcycle enters the fast lane, it is committing a lane violation,” he added.
