Traffic Signal Failures Across Rawalpindi Raise Safety Fears
By Bilal Haider :
At least 16 traffic signals across Rawalpindi have stopped working over the past three months, causing traffic disruption and increasing the risk of road accidents, according to city officials and commuters.
Signals reported to be broken, flashing erratically or completely blacked out are located at major intersections including Committee Chowk and Chandni Chowk on Murree Road, Marrir Chowk, Bilal Shaheed Chowk in Scheme III, and several junctions along Saidpur Road and Rawal Road.
Police Say Repair Requests Ignored
City traffic police say they have repeatedly written to the district administration and relevant civic bodies since September 2025, urging urgent repairs. The most recent reminder was sent around two weeks ago.
Despite this, officials say no faulty signal has yet been restored.
The issue has been raised with the Commissioner of Rawalpindi, the City Police Officer, the Rawalpindi Development Authority, Chaklala Cantonment Board and the Municipal Corporation. However, traffic authorities claim the matter has not been treated as a priority.
Congestion Worsens Amid Roadworks
The malfunctioning signals come at a time when thousands of vehicles have already been diverted due to ongoing remodelling work at Kutchery Chowk, increasing pressure on alternative routes.
Without functioning signals, vehicles from multiple directions attempt to cross simultaneously, leading to severe congestion during peak hours. Traffic police warn that the absence of signal control has resulted in frequent gridlocks and heightened accident risks.
Several crashes involving vehicles and pedestrians have been reported in recent weeks, though comprehensive figures have not been released.
Public Transport and Emergency Services Affected
The disruption has also affected public transport services, causing delays for buses and commuters. Drivers, in the absence of signal enforcement, are increasingly disregarding traffic rules, further compounding the problem.
A former chief traffic officer said traffic lights play a crucial role not only in regulating vehicle flow but also in enabling emergency vehicles to pass safely through busy intersections.
“Intersections without functioning signals are highly hazardous, particularly for pedestrians,” he said.
Commuters Voice Frustration
Jawad Ahmad, a resident of Chaklala Scheme III who regularly travels via Rashid Minhas Road, said signals at Marrir Chowk have been out of order for an extended period.
“It feels like no one is concerned about how dangerous it is to cross,” he said.
Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for repairs. Traffic police say they are awaiting action from the departments responsible for maintenance.
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