With Karachi bracing for intense monsoon showers and the looming danger of urban flooding, the Karachi Traffic Diversion Plan has been officially rolled out to ensure smooth mobility and reduce chaos for commuters across the city. The traffic police have outlined detailed alternate routes and appealed for public cooperation to minimize congestion during rainfall emergencies.
As per the strategy, Tariq Road has been declared a complete No Parking Zone on both sides. This key road will act as an emergency corridor if Sharae Faisal gets submerged. Authorities have urged residents, business owners, and traders to strictly avoid parking here to keep the flow of vehicles uninterrupted.
In District Central, areas between Power House Chowrangi and Nagan Chowrangi are known to experience severe waterlogging. To counter this, motorists from Rashid Minhas Road can make a U-turn at Godhra, move via Shafiq Mor, and proceed towards New Karachi. Similarly, traffic from Sakhi Hassan Chowrangi to Nagan Chowrangi should shift to Qalandaria Chowk and Anda Mor to reach 4K Chowrangi. Vehicles from Board Office will instead be redirected through KDA Chowrangi towards Shahrah Noor Jehan.
For North Nazimabad commuters, those traveling to Blocks N, H, and I should use the route from Imtiaz Supermarket via Mujahid Colony, Ziauddin Hospital, Saifee College, Landhi Kotal, and Peoples Chowrangi before merging at Shafiq Mor and onward to New Karachi.
Traffic police have also cautioned that low-lying areas such as Nursery, Lal Kothi, Baloch Colony, Karsaz, Drigh Road underpass, Kala Pul, and Madam Cut remain highly vulnerable to flooding. During such conditions, commuters are advised to rely on parallel routes including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Sindhi Muslim Society, Allah Wali Chowrangi, Tariq Road, Char Minar, PTV Station, Aga Khan Road, Stadium Road, Millennium Mall, Johar Chowrangi, Rabia City, Habib University, Pehlwan Goth, and Airport corridors.
For those driving from DHA to Jinnah International Airport, alternate passages include Qayyumabad, Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Shah Faisal Colony, Shama Shopping Mall, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and Star Gate. Motorists traveling from Malir Halt and Anwar Baloch Hotel can also utilize Shahrah-e-Bhutto for faster connectivity.
While returning from the Airport, citizens have been urged to avoid Madam Apartments. Instead, the internal road from the old terminal via Star Gate, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Colony Gate, and Shama Shopping Centre should be used before merging onto Shahrah-e-Bhutto and Qayyumabad towards Defence.
For commuters bound towards Garden or Tower, the Model Colony graveyard road leading to Jinnah Avenue, Super Highway, and Lyari Expressway provides a safer alternative during heavy rainfall. Similarly, those heading to Gulshan-e-Iqbal or Gulistan-e-Jauhar can conveniently access Jinnah Avenue through Race Course.
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The Karachi Traffic Diversion Plan has been crafted to reduce gridlocks and ensure public safety amid expected monsoon flooding. Citizens are strongly advised to follow the suggested routes, cooperate with traffic police, and plan ahead to avoid unnecessary delays. By adhering to these guidelines, the city can better withstand the challenges of seasonal downpours while keeping vital roads open for emergency and daily use.
