Cable theft and equipment damage have left 33 out of Karachi’s 94 traffic signals dysfunctional, worsening congestion at major intersections and creating difficulties for commuters across the city.
The disruption has forced traffic police to manage several intersections manually, while the absence of functioning signals has added pressure to Karachi’s already congested roads. Officials have also reportedly been absent at some locations, further complicating traffic management.
According to reports, the situation has been aggravated by funding shortages that have delayed repair work for more than a year, leaving several intersections without properly functioning traffic control systems.
33 Out of 94 Traffic Signals Out of Order
The Karachi Development Authority’s (KDA) Traffic Engineering Bureau (TEB) has reported that 33 of the city’s 94 traffic signals are currently dysfunctional.
Cable and equipment theft has emerged as a major reason behind the disruption, with signals at multiple locations becoming inoperative after their electrical infrastructure was damaged or stolen.
The bureau also reported that traffic signals at 26 additional locations were ouet of order because of cable and equipment theft.
The breakdown of traffic signals has made it more difficult to regulate vehicle movment at busy intersections, particularly during peak commuting hours.
Without functioning signals, motorists must rely on traffic police or navigate intersections where traffic movement may become unpredictable. This can contribute to longer queues, delays and increased pressure on roads already carrying heavy volumes of vehicles.
Repair Work Delayed by Funding Shortage
The Traffic Engineering Bureau said repair work had remained suspended for more than a year because of a shortage of funds.
According to the report, contractors were owed more than Rs. 10 million, creating further obstacles to restoring the damaged traffic infrastructure.
The prolonged delay has left several intersections without reliable traffic control systems, affecting residents who depend on Karachi’s road network for their daily travel.
Timely maintenance is essential for keeping traffic signals operational, particularly in a major urban centre where busy intersections require continuous monitoring and repair.
The reported funding difficulties have highlighted the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining basic road infrastructure while also dealing with repeated theft and equipment damage.
Sindh Government Releases Rs. 100 Million
The Sindh government released Rs. 100 million to the Karachi commissioner’s office following directives from the chief minister.
The funding enabled authorities to repair 20 traffic signals, including five automated signals. Officials also installed road markings and traffic signs as part of efforts to improve traffic management.
However, the improvements faced another setback when cables were reportedly stolen from seven of the repaired signals, forcing them out of service again.
The incident demonstrates how repeated theft can undermine repair efforts and reduce the effectiveness of public spending on traffic infrastructure.
Restoring the signals is only part of the challenge. Preventing further theft and ensuring that repaired equipment remains operational are also necessary to provide lasting relief to commuters.
Repeated Cable Theft Affects Major Intersections
Several busy locations across Karachi have been affected by dysfunctional traffic signals, according to the report.
Among the reported locations are:
- Ziauddin Road near Lily Bridge
- Boat Basin Chowrangi
- Sir Syed Khalid bin Walid Road intersection
- Akbar Road
- Court Road
- Singer Chowrangi
- Makki Masjid
- Yaseenabad
- Atrium Mall
- Karachi Grammar School
- Shahrah-e-Iraq
- Albela Chowrangi
- Guru Mandir
- Banuri Town Mosque
- II Chundrigar Road near Denso Hall
- Aram Bagh
- Shalimar Chowk
Ziauddin Road near Lily Bridge has reportedly experienced repeated cable theft, with cables stolen from the location three times.
The repeated incidents have raised concerns about the security of traffic infrastructure and the ability of authorities to protect equipment after repairs are completed.
Traffic Police Forced to Manage Intersections Manually
With several traffic signals out of service, traffic police have reportedly been managing some intersections manually to keep vehicles moving.
Manual traffic control can help regulate movement when signals fail, but it requires sufficient personnel and consistent supervision, particularly at busy junctions.
When officers are unavailable, drivers may face uncertainty over right of way, potentially increasing congestion and the risk of road accidents.
The situation also places additional demands on traffic police, who must manage vehicle flow while dealing with the consequences of damaged infrastructure.
For commuters, the impact can include longer travel times, delays at major junctions and difficulties navigating intersections where traffic signals are no longer functioning.
Cable Theft Raises Concerns Over Public Infrastructure
The repeated theft of cables from traffic signals has become a significant obstacle to Karachi’s efforts to improve traffic management.
Even when authorities secure funding and complete repairs, further theft can force signals out of service again, creating additional costs and delaying the restoration of normal traffic flow.
The reported thefts have also raised questions about the protection of public infrastructure and the need for more effective monitoring of vulnerable locations.
Ensuring that contractors receive payments on time, repairing damaged equipment promptly and preventing repeat theft could help reduce the duration of disruptions.
Coordination between traffic authorities, law enforcement agencies and the relevant development bodies will be important in addressing both the immediate problem and its underlying causes.
Karachi Commuters Await Relief
The failure of 33 traffic signals has added another challenge for commuters navigating Karachi’s busy roads.
Although the Sindh government’s Rs. 100 million allocation enabled repairs at several locations, the subsequent theft of cables from seven repaired signals shows that the problem remains unresolved.
Authorities now face the dual task of restoring the remaining dysfunctional signals and protecting repaired infrastructure from further damage.
Until more signals return to service, motorists may continue to experience congestion and delays at affected intersections.
The situation highlights the importance of sustained funding, regular maintenance and stronger safeguards to keep Karachi’s traffic management system operational.
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