Pareesa Afreen 
Mar 31, 2025
The long-standing frustrations of millions of Karachi residents about traffic congestion are turning everyday commutes into stressful and lengthy ordeals. As the city’s population grows, so does the number of vehicles, overwhelming the existing infrastructure and causing delays, pollution, and inefficiencies.
In response, Karachi is making significant strides toward transforming its transport network to address these persistent issues.
The Shahra-e-Bhutto (Malir Expressway) represents a major milestone in Karachi’s infrastructure development. Spanning 39 kilometres, this expressway connects the city’s urban centre to the M-9 Motorway while linking industrial areas to key locations. Designed to bring a more efficient and streamlined commute experience, the expressway is expected to transform how residents and goods move across the city.
At the core of this ambitious project is iTecknologi, an IoT and automation solutions provider that is pioneering the use of advanced traffic management and safety systems in Pakistan. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies, the company aims to set a benchmark for intelligent infrastructure in the country.
A vision for sustainable and efficient systems
Karachi’s growing transport demands necessitate sustainable and efficient solutions to ensure long-term improvement. Infusing smart technology into the Shahra-e-Bhutto project is a critical step toward addressing these challenges.
iTecknologi’s smart solutions leverage data and automation to better manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and optimise resource use. These innovations aim to tackle some of the city’s most pressing issues, from long commute times to inefficient resource allocation.
“Our primary aim is to set a trend in Pakistan so people can see how sustainable these systems are and understand the difference they can create,” said iTecknologi CTO/Director Amir Lodhi in a conversation with Gadinsider. The expressway is designed to cut travel times, streamline toll booth operations, and tackle one of Pakistan’s biggest urban issues: traffic congestion.
Transforming toll booth efficiency
A cornerstone of the expressway’s success lies in its AI-powered Electronic Tolling and Traffic Management (ETTM) system, developed by iTecknologi. This system automates toll collection by recognising vehicle types—such as passenger cars or trucks—through number plate identification. It is calibrated to handle both peak and off-peak traffic volumes, ensuring smooth flow and substantially reducing waiting times.
“These systems have significantly increased efficiency at the toll booths,” explained Lodhi. “Our goal is to minimise drivers’ waiting time and ensure smooth traffic flow,” he shared.
The automation not only helps drivers save time but also reduces the administrative burden on toll operators. Additionally, by optimising the tolling process, the system helps prevent bottlenecks that often occur during rush hours, thereby enhancing overall road efficiency.
Smart traffic monitoring and management
The ETTM system goes beyond toll management, incorporating AI to monitor and track traffic in real time. This integration allows for early detection of incidents, enabling prompt responses to disruptions. By predicting traffic peaks, the system helps optimise the expressway’s usage during busy hours.
Real-time monitoring also ensures that maintenance and safety measures can be implemented proactively. For instance, the system can identify potential hazards or accidents and alert authorities, allowing them to respond swiftly and minimise disruptions.
Enhancing driver safety and convenience
Driver safety and convenience are integral to iTecknologi’s vision for the Malir Expressway. Lodhi outlined the company’s upcoming initiatives aimed at improving the overall commuting experience:
- Call boxes: “We plan to install a call box every 2–2.5 km for drivers. If they face issues like running out of fuel, a flat tyre, or engine problems, they can connect with an operator who will dispatch our team to assist them,” Lodhi explained.
- Digital synergy SMDs: Smart Messaging Displays (SMDs) will provide real-time updates and safety reminders. “These will display messages like ‘Wear Your Seat Belt’ or ‘Follow Lane Markings’ to guide drivers and enhance road safety,” he added.
Incorporating these features demonstrates iTecknologi’s commitment to not only improving traffic flow but also ensuring that drivers have a safer and more convenient journey.
Modernising Pakistan’s traffic systems
Pakistan’s traffic management systems have long been plagued by outdated infrastructure and inefficient operations. With cities like Karachi experiencing rapid growth, the need for modernisation is urgent.
The integration of smart technologies in traffic management is a critical step toward addressing the root causes of congestion, improving safety, and simplifying traffic flow. Advanced solutions, such as AI-driven toll systems, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance, are essential to solving these challenges and aligning Pakistan’s infrastructure with global standards.
“Our main aim is to set a trend and give a new look and feel to Pakistan’s traffic system by integrating advanced and sustainable technologies,” said Lodhi.
“Traffic is one of the most significant and stressful issues in a country like Pakistan. By improving these systems, we aim to achieve the same level of technological integration seen in countries like Dubai and the USA.”
This shift toward smarter traffic solutions ensures the system can adjust to real-time conditions, reducing bottlenecks and making commutes more efficient.
A locally developed solution
Although iTecknologi is collaborating with other companies on the systems for the Shahra-e-Bhutto (Malir Expressway), the majority of the work has been completed in-house. This highlights not only the company’s technical capabilities but also the relevance of its solutions to local challenges.
By developing solutions that cater specifically to Karachi’s unique transport needs, iTecknologi is demonstrating how locally relevant innovations can drive meaningful change.
Transforming Karachi into a smarter city
The Shahra-e-Bhutto (Malir Expressway) is part of a broader vision to transform Karachi into a modern, connected city powered by intelligent infrastructure. Lodhi emphasised the significance of this development: “This project is a blueprint for how we can tackle urban challenges with technology and create a smarter, more efficient Pakistan.”
The expressway’s intelligent infrastructure systems, introduced by iTecknologi, represent a major breakthrough in urban mobility. By promoting AI-driven traffic flow and safety, the project sets a new standard for infrastructure development in the country.
As these advancements reshape Karachi’s transportation landscape, they also reflect iTecknologi’s commitment to operational efficiency and innovation. This project serves as a model for how technology can address urban challenges, paving the way for a smarter and more connected Pakistan.
