Commissioner Quetta Orders Immediate Activation of Traffic Signals, Calls for Comprehensive Plan to Ease City Congestion

**Quetta (Qudrat Daily):**
Commissioner Quetta Division **Shahzaib Khan Kakar** chaired an important meeting to address the growing traffic congestion and related issues in the city. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Quetta **Meharullah Badini**, SSP Traffic **Muhammad Sami**, Director BT&EB **Shakeel Ahmed**, DSP Traffic **Saifullah**, Chief Engineer Metropolitan Corporation **Ishaq Mengal**, SP Traffic Sadar **Syed Asim Ali**, and representatives from the **Regional Transport Authority (RTA)** and other departments.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the increasing traffic pressure during school hours and evening rush time, and several key decisions were made to improve the city’s traffic system. Commissioner Kakar directed that all **non-functional traffic signals across Quetta** be made operational immediately and the **installation of new signals** be expedited.

He emphasized the **completion of signal installations** at Manan Chowk, China Chowk, and TNT Chowk on a priority basis. He further instructed that school administrations be consulted to devise measures for reducing traffic pressure during peak school hours.

The meeting also decided that the **Metropolitan Corporation** will restrict heavy vehicles from using city bridges to maintain smooth traffic flow and prevent structural damage.

According to the RTA report, **Quetta has around 12,000 registered rickshaws**, while **20,000 to 30,000 remain unregistered**. The Commissioner directed strict action against **unregistered and permit-less rickshaws**, allowing only registered vehicles to operate within the city limits.

Additionally, the administration resolved to take action against **illegal parking**, **unauthorized taxi stands**, and **motorcycles displayed outside showrooms**. SSP Traffic informed the meeting that about **800 traffic wardens** are currently deployed across Quetta, but **road excavations and unplanned construction work** continue to cause major traffic disruptions.

Commissioner Kakar strictly ordered that **no road cutting or excavation** should be carried out without prior approval. He said that along with short-term measures such as improving roads, signals, and parking management, **long-term projects including underpasses and flyovers** are also being planned to provide lasting solutions.

In conclusion, the Commissioner directed all departments to present **progress reports and a final comprehensive traffic management plan** in the next meeting to ensure a sustainable and efficient traffic system in Quetta.