Karachi to Install AI Traffic Cameras on 3 Key Roads

Karachi traffic police is planning to expand its artificial intelligence-powered traffic enforcement system to three major locations, including Airport Road, Clifton, and the Do Talwar and Teen Talwar junctions, by August 2026.

DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah said the system is currently being tested on Shahrah-e-Faisal, where 20 high-resolution Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras have been installed up to Drigh Road. The cameras operate round the clock to detect lane violations.

Shahrah-e-Faisal was selected for the pilot project because of its heavy traffic volume. The DIG said the system is currently issuing around 100 challans daily for lane violations on the route.

“If we can fix discipline on Karachi’s busiest artery, we can fix it on any road,” he said.

Motorists have been warned that there is no first-offense waiver on Shahrah-e-Faisal, although a one-time deferment option is available.

Pir Muhammad Shah said the technology can differentiate between intentional violations and genuine emergencies. Cases involving breakdowns, potholes, or other unavoidable situations are marked for manual review.

Fines vary depending on the type of vehicle and the level of risk involved. Motorcycles and rickshaws are fined Rs. 2,500, cars Rs. 5,000, buses Rs. 7,500, while dumpers and tankers face a fine of Rs. 10,000.

The DIG added that the system has already started showing results, with improved traffic flow on Shahrah-e-Faisal and buses increasingly staying within their designated lanes.