As Karachi gears up to welcome the New Year, the city’s authorities have laid out a comprehensive traffic plan to manage the expected surge in celebratory activities and ensure the safety of its residents. With heightened security measures and the imposition of Section 144 for two days, Karachi police are prepared to take action against any violations, including a complete ban on arms, aerial firing, and the use of firecrackers.
Every year, New Year's Eve in Karachi is marked by festive celebrations, but these events often come with a significant increase in road accidents and injuries, particularly due to celebratory gunfire and reckless driving. To mitigate these risks and manage the traffic flow, the police have closed several major roads, with some key areas requiring residents to use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience.
Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions
Several roads in Karachi, especially those leading to popular celebration spots such as Clifton, Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, and Sea View, will be closed to general traffic on the night between December 31 and January 1. These closures include:
- PIDC Chowk (Ziauddin Road) to Ziauddin Bridge towards Lucky Signal
- PIDC Chowk to Club Road
- Bilawal Chowrangi to Bahria Underpass
- Do Talwar to Abdullah Shah Ghazi Shrine
- Abdullah Shah Ghazi Shrine to 26th Street
Alternative Routes
Alternative routes have been designated for residents traveling to and from various parts of the city to ensure smoother traffic movement and reduce congestion. These routes will be open for traffic:
Korangi Road, Sunset Boulevard Road, Gizri Bridge, and Saudi Signal towards Khayaban-e-Shamshir, McDonalds, and Sea View Road.M A Jinnah Road, Garden Road, Zaibun Nisa Street, and other nearby roads will be opened for those traveling to DHA from North Nazimabad, Gulberg, and other areas.
For those traveling from the southern parts of Karachi like Gadap, Bin Qasim, and Landhi, Sharea Faisal, Sindh Club Chowk, and other nearby roads will be available.
Jinnah Bridge, Mai Kolachi to Boat Basin, and nearby routes will be opened for traffic, facilitating easy access to the Sea View area.
Parking Restrictions and Additional Measures
In addition to road closures, parking will be strictly prohibited along major thoroughfares including Sharea Faisal, Abdullah Haroon Road, and Mai Kolachi Road. These areas are expected to see heavy traffic, and authorities aim to prevent any obstruction to the flow of vehicles.
Heavy traffic, including tankers, dumpers, and trucks, will be diverted away from key routes like Mauripur Road towards Jinnah Bridge and Hub River Road to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles.
Furthermore, the traffic police have warned that vehicles and motorcycles without silencers, as well as reckless drivers, will face strict action. This measure is intended to curb the nuisance caused by noise pollution and improve road safety.
Security Measures and Enforcement
The authorities are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to ensuring the safety of citizens during the festivities. With Section 144 in place, Karachi will be under high security, and any attempt to engage in celebratory firing, which has resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities in previous years, will be dealt with severely.
Residents of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and other affected areas will be able to use their original identity cards to pass through the restricted zones without facing delays. However, they are advised to use the designated alternative routes and comply with all traffic regulations to avoid any inconvenience.
Conclusion
Karachi's New Year’s Eve celebrations will be met with heightened vigilance from the traffic police and security forces. With a well-structured traffic plan, the authorities aim to minimize disruption and ensure a safer environment for all. The city is hoping that these measures will lead to a peaceful and festive New Year’s Eve, free from the dangers of reckless driving and celebratory gunfire.
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