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REVIEW ON DEPLOYMENT OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN

URBAN CENTERS OF PAKISTAN

Conference Paper · September 2014

DOI: 10.13140/2.1.1503.1043

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 REVIEW ON DEPLOYMENT OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEM IN URBAN CENTERS OF PAKISTAN

1
Authors: Muhammad Usman Sheikh, Salman Maqbool, Nida Batool Sheikh

1
Muhammad Usman Sheikh (Masters Student, UET, Lahore)
Contact: +92-346-0666316, [email protected]
Salman Maqbool (Masters Student, UET, Lahore)
Contact: +92-321-9522767, [email protected]
Nida Batool Sheikh (Bachelors Student, UET, Lahore)
Contact: +92-331-4948443, [email protected]
Authors: Muhammad Usman Sheikh, Salman Maqbool and Nida Batool Sheikh
ABSTRACT
The advancement in technologies and the rapid growth rate in urban population have led to problems in the
urban transportation network. The number of vehicles has increased drastically in the metropolitan areas of
the world. Especially in case of Pakistan the car financing schemes have added fuel to the fire by helping
those buy their own automobiles who could have never thought of buying one. Because, the government is
not fulfilling the basic demands (in particular employment opportunities) of the people living in rural areas,
we find Rural-Urban migration at its peak. As a result of which rapid urbanization is taking place, leading to
overburdening of our metropolitan cities. Likewise other services, this rural to urban shift have also exhausted
the transportation system in urban centers. The attempts of coping up with the arising traffic congestion due to
increased number of automobiles, provides a challenge to the concerned authorities regarding the running of
an efficient and safe transportation management system. This review paper aims at studying the causes and
effects of implementation of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) in Pakistan and to find basis which could
help in reducing the arising challenges relevant to the current transportation management system in Pakistan.
For the sake of study two metropolitan cities of Pakistan were selected i.e. Lahore and Karachi and the results
could be generalized for other metropolitan cities of Pakistan. After completing the study it was noted that the
traffic situation in Karachi was much worse than Lahore. If measures are not taken in time then this may lead
to dangerous accidents and huge financial losses.

INTRODUCTION
Since Adam, man has been engaged in trade activities through various means of transportation. Earlier no
automobiles existed and people found it difficult to maneuver. This also increased their travel time and
expenses. Seeing the dire need of travelling, an efficient transport system was required. Gradually,
advancement in technology led to the creation of various techniques deemed fit for an efficient transportation
system. From un-paved roads to highly sophisticated network of intersections, we really have come a long
way. And in order to cater for our future needs we need to take our present technology to the next level. One
such effort done for enhancing the current transportation system is entitled as ITS i.e. Intelligent
Transportation System. During the last ten years a wide range of advanced technologies have emerged in this
field i.e. from in vehicle components to the advanced traffic management system, all have come together and
collectively termed as “Intelligent Transportation System”. The main objective behind which was to make
the current transportation system safer as well as efficient in order to save huge capital that is lost either due
to road traffic accidents or increased travel time delays.
The urgency of using ITS technology stems from the fact that in the past ten years there has been an increase
in traffic by 30 percent resulting in United States of America losing two billion hours a year to grid lock
(equivalent to loosing US $ 20 Billion a year). It has also been estimated that business lose US $ 40 Billion a
year just due to traffic congestion. (Transportation Engineering, an Introduction, 3rd Edition by C. Jotin Khisty,
B. Kent Laal).
So from the above facts and figures it can be considered that if we bring Intelligent Transportation System
into our transportation management system we will be able to lessen the above mentioned losses. This review
aims at studying the deployment of intelligent transportation system in Pakistan and understanding the fact
that how ITS can help Pakistan’s transportation system to work safely and efficiently.

STUDY AREA AND STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study is focused on to review the work done or can be done for the deployment of Intelligent
Transportation System in Pakistan. For the study area two metropolitan cities of Pakistan were selected i.e.
Lahore and Karachi. The traffic patterns, socio economic conditions and transportation management system
were studied and certain highways/intersections were selected/pointed out where the implementation of
intelligent transportation system can do wonders.

KARACHI
Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan spread over an area of 3527 km2 has a total population of 9.339 million
(1998, UN DATA) which is expected to be now more than 15 million. Pollution and growing traffic are
nowadays major problems of Karachi. Long traffic queues and congestion are now becoming daily routine for
Karachiites. Due to these long queues and traffic congestion the pollution level is far above the standards set
by World Health Organization (WHO) (2008 annual report). Traffic jams can be seen daily especially during
the peak hours i.e. during school/college timings. The following image shows the view of Sharah-e-Faisal,
one of the most important roads of Karachi fully congested during evening times, to which the main reason
attributed is the closing office hours.

Figure: 1- Shahrah-e- Faisal Karachi

(Source: The Express Tribune 2nd September 2010)
According to the information collected from Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) the main cause of
traffic jams in Karachi is due to the absence of an efficient/effective traffic management system. Karachi has
about 15000 inter and intra city buses (KMC-2010 urban transportation report), but sadly they all are
individually owned i.e. no particular company or authority is looking after them. There are no terminals,
workshops or depots for such busses which result in their parking on roads. Street hawkers/vendors when see
such parking conditions by buses for their passengers to board on, they take advantage of that and start their
business on road which results into encroachments. This act uses up more than 50 percent width of the main
carriageway thus causing congestion. Consequently, the lessening of right of way reduces the speed of the
vehicles passing by and may also result in any type of accident. The image on the next page clearly shows the
bus being parked on the road side that has provided the street hawkers with the opportunity of selling their
goods which ultimately leads to the encroached upon areas.

Figure: 2- Bus parked at Shahrah-e- Faisal Karachi

(Source: Karachi Metropolitan Corporation website)

Another reason that can be attributed to Karachi’s poor traffic management system is the city’s geographical
location at the shore. A major port of the country is located in Karachi and the city also provides way to other
ports linked to the vicinity areas. This attracts a large number of cargo services inclusive of heavy vehicles,
long truck/trailers. As a result huge traffic congestion takes place on roads which greatly affects the delivery
time of goods. The maneuvering of these heavy trailers also increase the chances of fatal road accidents
putting the lives of people at stake. Therefore huge capital is lost either due to late delivery or in an accident.
The following images show Karachi port along with trailers leaving port with heavy equipment.
 Figure: 3- Karachi Port Figure: 4- Containers leaving port
(Source: The Express Tribune 7th September 2010)
Deployment of Intelligent Transportation System in Karachi can play an important role in solving the
problems related to traffic congestion and catering the transportation needs of people. All this cuts down on
pollution and preserves the environment from degrading.

LAHORE
Lahore the heart of Pakistan is the second largest city of the country. The total area of Lahore is 1172 km 2
having total population of 5.143 million (1998, UN DATA) which by now may have risen to about 10 million.
As far as Traffic Management is concerned Lahore is far better than Karachi. Unlike Karachi, long traffic
queues are not always found on the roads of Lahore city. However, Lahore is a city where urbanization is
found at its peak. More and more rural people are migrating to this urban area giving rise to several socio-
economic problems. According to a report, more than 35 percent of Lahore’s population is migrant based
(ADB-2008) and, with the passage of time, this figure tends to rise. Encroachments is a major problem which
is adversely effecting the capacity of certain major roads of Lahore like the famous Grand Trunk (G-T Road),
Ferozepur Road, Allama Iqbal Road etc. The following images will clearly explain you the level of
encroachments on the above mentioned roads.

Figure: 5- G-T Road Figure: 6- Ichra Ferozepur Road

(Source: The Express Tribune 9th October 2009)

Since the population of Lahore is increasing day by day so the number of commuters travelling on the roads
of the city is also increasing. The registered vehicles of all modes showed a 13.52 percent growth with respect
to the year 2006. (Ali Iqtidar, 2013). This growth rate in registered vehicles even crossed the figure as high as
65.27 percent in 2003. (Ali Iqtidar, 2013). So such high number of vehicles cause serious problems to the
current traffic management system and makes it almost impossible to apply.
Another problem which Lahore faces similar to Karachi is the high number of heavy trucks and trailers. The
Grand Trunk Road Passes through Lahore and Connects Lahore to Peshawar via Rawalpindi so trucks enter
and leave via GT road or the Motorway. Also Lahore shares a border with India and trade activities are done
via Wagah Border by means of road. Thus, this is another entrance way of trucks and trailers causing
problems to the traffic management system of Lahore.
The presence of Allama Iqbal International Airport also attracts various logistics/courier companies to
commute their goods via trucks from their go downs to the airport. Famous logistics companies like TCS,
Leopard Courier Service, Pakistan Logistic Cell, Agility Logistics etc. all have trucks of all size and all have
their go downs in Lahore. These companies need to deliver their goods to their respective destinations in
minimum time. For this purpose they require knowledge of exact location of their trucks and demarcation of
routes so that they can ensure efficient deliverance of goods and services to the clients.
Hence, due to increased number of vehicles and arising encroachments we experience extreme time as well as
financial losses. With this it would be right stating that, certainly, Implementation of Intelligent
Transportation System in Lahore will counter the aggravated transportation management situation in Lahore
and will bring many gains to the country.
Moreover, if the same formula is applied to all major cities of Pakistan we would definitely be able to save
huge sums of money plus we could also save number of lives lost in road accidents due to the traffic
congestion.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has a strong association with motorization in a country. When the per capita
income increases we can easily observe a rise in the living standards and travel distance of the people. This
allows more personnel vehicle ownership. So this fact should now be completely understood that GDP and
Vehicle ownership have a direct relationship. More the GDP of a country more people will have their own
automobiles.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan report, during the last six months of 2004, different banks of Pakistan
had financed loans of US $ 0.37 Billion just for automobile leasing and financing which was 2.5 percent
higher than the loans taken either for the construction of a house or buying a new one. (Ahmed et. al. 2008).
The social and environmental impact of this rise in automobile sales greatly threatens the sustainability of our
environment. According to a report, the transport sector energy consumption and gas emissions will likely to
be doubled by the year 2025. (Qureshi and Huapu, 2007). The on-going decade i.e. 2010-2020 has been
named as the decade of road safety by World Health Organization (WHO) since road traffic accidents are to
be the 6th leading cause of deaths by 2020. As the amount of vehicles are increasing and also the advancement
in automobile technology which helps the vehicle travelling at high speeds, both are contributing greatly in
the increased number of deaths.
Managing Traffic is a very difficult task in any of the metropolitan cities of the world. In case of developed
countries traffic management is complex due to the increased number of automobiles (based upon the
hypothesis that increased GDP causes increased vehicle ownership). But in case of a developing country like
Pakistan traffic management is even more difficult because of two reasons:
1. Ever increasing vehicle ownership.
2. Poor Existing Traffic/Transportation Management System.
According to a report in December 2005 more than 500 people have lost their lives on roads of Pakistan just
because of increased frustration resulted because of traffic congestion (Humayun, 2006). Congestion holds
different meaning to different commuters. For a traveler congestion is a loss of time, missing opportunities
and something that leads to frustration. Whereas, to an employer, congestion means loss of productivity, loss
of workers, delivery delays, increased costs, trade opportunities etc. All such factors results into exasperation
which is one major cause of fatal road accidents. If we add up all the disabilities or deaths in an accident,
they’ll amount to billions of dollars annually in the world.
As far as Pakistan is concerned the solution to most of the problems related to traffic management and safety
lie in implementation of intelligent transportation system. There are at least nine components of ITS i.e.:
1. Smart Traffic Signal Control
2. Freeway Management System
3. Transit Management System
4. Incident Management System
5. Electronic Toll Collection System
6. Electronic Fare Payment System
7. Emergency Response System
8. Traveler Information System
9. Route Guidance System
Each and every of the above mentioned components will now be explained in detail and their feasibility of
deployment in Pakistan will be discussed.
1. Smart Traffic Control System:
This system senses heavy traffic flows at intersections using various number of devices like video cameras,
inductive loop detectors, automatic vehicle counters etc. Using the data provided by the above mentioned
devices the signal timing is adjusted automatically giving maximum possible green time to the most
congested leg of the intersection making sure that the intersection gets clear quickly. This system saves a lot
of time and also reduces the cost of fuel burned wasted during long wait for the signal to become green.
Cacogenic emissions from the automobiles are also thus reduced and hence help protecting the environment.
Installation of this system is expensive but once it is installed it will effective in the long run. This system can
be installed on Sharah-e-Faisal, Karachi and Ferozepur Road of Lahore. The following images will show you
various devices which aid in the working of this system.

Figure: 7- Vehicle Counter Figure: 8- Inductive Loop Detector

(Source: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/)

Figure: 9- Video camera installed at Shahrah-e- Faisal Karachi

(Source: Karachi Metropolitan Corporation website)

2. Freeway Management System:

It is a system to effectively manage control and monitor freeway traffic by combining system components
and technologies. The system components may include ramp metering, freeway mainline metering, reversible
roadway control etc. This system counts the vehicles entering the freeway with signals on the ramps. This
system has been in use for some time but has not been used upto its full capacity. A new phenomenon may be
introduced in its work such as linking it with other detection systems such as accident surveillance systems
etc.
3. Transit Management System:
This system has a bright future specifically for Pakistan. This system can be used by factories/logistics
managers to manage their goods in transit well and take new orders. There are a large number of companies
who are doing business in supply chain and logistics and for them this system is a blessing in disguise. They
can know the status of their shipment/order 24/7 anywhere, anytime. This helps their quick and efficient
service and earns them good profits. Using this system the manager can also warn a particular driver of taking
the goods to their destination about any congestion present on any intersection and allows them to take a
detour. This system is expensive and is being used by only top leading logistics companies of Pakistan. If it is
applied over every transporter’s vehicle then it’ll help to save a lot of time and money.
4. Incident Management System:
This system detects and manages non recurrent traffic congestion caused by random unpredictable incidents
such as accident, lane blockages, and hazardous spillages resulting in major traffic congestion. Lack of
awareness about the situation at the upcoming intersection is a major problem in Pakistan. People travelling
on a highway have no idea of the traffic condition of the upcoming intersection. If an accident has occurred it
is usually seen that many people stop by, not for helping but only for looking at the scene. This causes
congestion on the main carriageway, congestion of which the upcoming traffic is unaware of. If we have
proper Incident management system then at least 2 km before the message regarding the accident have been
displayed using the VMS (Variable Message Sign) and it would advise travelers to take detour due to the
congestion on the upcoming intersection. This will help in reducing the congestion and we can clear the
intersection quickly. If we take the example of Ferozepur road Lahore which is about 22 km in length, then
we could require a 11 Variable Message Signs and this would completely change the entire condition of the
road.

Figure: 10- Variable Message Sign (VMS) an example of IMS

(Source: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/report/j10106-04.htm)

5. Electronic Toll Collection:

This technology is being used in Pakistan especially by National Highway Authority. E-Tag sensors as they
name it are widely being used at entry and exit points of motorways/freeways under National Highway
Authority Pakistan. It saves time and doesn’t make long queues of vehicle at toll plazas. The images on next
page will help you understand this technology
 Figure: 11- E-Tag Express Lane
(Source: http://www.paktravelism.com/)

6. Electronic Fare Payment System:

This concept is yet to take place in Pakistan. Many efforts for its implementation are being done in this regard.
The proposed Metro Bus of Lahore is said to have electronic fare collection system. Using E-Cards
passengers would be easily able to make their journey without waiting in long queues just to buy tickets. This
facility is available for several airlines but this technology is relatively new in road transportation industry and
will have its impacts if applied seriously. The following image will show you an electronic fare collecting
machine.

Figure: 12- Electronic Fare Collection Machine

(Source: New South Wales DOT, Australia)
7. Emergency Response System:
This system is specifically designed for emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire brigades, police, bomb
disposal squads etc. It allows the interaction of the emergency vehicle with the intersection signal control
system. The green time can be controlled by the drivers of one of these emergency vehicles and he can keep it
green until the vehicle has cleared the intersection. Pakistan specifically Punjab province has its emergency
service by the title of Rescue 1122; if this system is applied then they can do their job even more effectively
and help people in every possible way. This could save a large number of lives and will also result in helping
the economy.
8. Traveler Information System:
Traveler Information System is one of the most important systems of ITS. Its main aim is to provide the road
user with necessary information related to driving on a particular road. For example maximum speed for cars
and trucks, information related to any construction work been done, information related to congestion, road
geometry changes, necessary precautions etc. This information could be conveyed either by variable message
signs (VMS) or via radio control. This system helps the drivers greatly and helps in reducing congestion etc.
In Pakistan this system is slowly being deployed e.g. in Lahore there is a proper radio channel of traffic police
which gives information about traffic on roads of Lahore 24 hours a day. This helps greatly in reducing traffic
problems of Lahore.
9. Route Guidance System:
These systems are based on global positioning system (Satellite) technology and assists motorist with distance
and direction information to selected destination. This technology is quite expensive so its implementation
will take some time in Pakistan.

Conclusions and Suggestions

It is concluded from the above discussion that the population of Pakistan especially of urban areas is
increasing rapidly as a result of which vehicle ownership is also increasing. More the number of vehicles
more will be the congestion and more chances will be there of an occurrence of an accident. Car financing
programs should be abandoned and must not allow loans for buying vehicles that would lessen the vehicle
ownership that causes a burden on our transportation system. Rural Urban migration is another problem
which should be seriously looked upon. The government should provide equal earning opportunities to people
living in rural areas so that they may not migrate to urban areas which would otherwise result into increased
population and enhanced load on or transportation system. Deployment of Intelligent Transportation System
is the need of the time especially for Pakistan. Since we are living in the decade of road safety, so we need to
make sure that we actually make our roads safer and ITS can play an important role in this regard.
The following points are suggested for a better transportation system of Pakistan:
1. Discourage private vehicle ownership and support public transport facilities.
2. Increased toll rates so that funds may be generated and private vehicle ownership is discouraged.
3. ITS training and workshops should be held so that people may get awareness.
 4. Constructing flyovers will not solve the problem of an intersection; it will only shift it to next coming
intersection. Instead of construction flyovers deployment of an efficient traffic management system
may help improve the LOS of the intersection.
5. Legislation must be done for implementation of ITS technology.
6. Government should allocate funds for the deployment of ITS.

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traffic-big-cities.html (accessed 7 September, 2011).

Qureshi, I. A. and Huapu, L., (2007), “Urban Transport and Sustainable Transport Strategies: A Case Study
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