On a rainy day, I took a rickshaw through the chaotic streets of Karachi. But the vehicle went straight back to the pothole as the driver did not see it. I sustained severe back pain from the impact for the next four days, emptying my pockets in hospital bills as well.

The roads are considered pathways leading to main destinations; however, when the journey is rugged and fraught with obstacles, individuals are often diverted from their real goals.

The question still roams: Can Karachi’s pathways ever be reconstructed?

Streets, open spaces, roads, parks, and public buildings are significant parts of public spaces. Among these, roads are crucial for the residents of Karachi.

According to Commissioner Karachi Census 2023, Karachi’s population is estimated to be around 20.3 million. Hence, the question that arises is how the weakened state of the city’s roads bears the burden of 20.3 million people.

Based on my experience as a daily traveller to different destinations in Karachi, there are major potholes in Model Colony, Garden, with adjacent areas such as Gurumandir, Lasbela, and Numaish, then a little forward in MA Jinnah Road, Saddar, Clifton, University Road, and many others.

The University Road is the major instance of potholes and rugged roads that create daily traffic and noise pollution at approximately every time of the day.

Besides potholes on roads, there are not many bus terminals, traffic lights, and pathways. There are rules for transporters, but seldom many are seen following them.

Rugged potholes on roads significantly impact vehicle safety and maintenance. They increase wear on tyres and suspensions, causing costly repairs. Potholes also lead to accidents as drivers swerve to avoid them, contributing to traffic congestion. Overall, they hinder transportation efficiency and highlight the urgent need for road repairs.

In a 2018 report, the WHO estimated that in Pakistan, road traffic accidents (RTAs) result in 14.3 deaths per 100,000 population.

Karachi is the main industrial hub for the whole country’s economy; however, there is a need for instant proper rule following implementation and proper road designing, a research stated.

Thousands of transporters in Karachi have to bear the cost of repairing vehicles due to potholes; however, this is a rising issue nowadays.

Numerous major roads are affected by encroachments that obstruct the normal flow of traffic, including University Road, Numaish, and MA Jinnah Road.

In 2022, rain damaged many roads such as MA Jinnah Road, Shahrah-e-Liaquat, Mansfield Street, Sarwar Shaheed Road, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Road, Sharah-e-Iraq, Korangi Road, Priddy Street, University Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Sharah-e-Pakistan Highway, and Jahangir Road.

Click’s Technical Manager Azmat Khan told Aaj News in 2023 that the government used World Bank funds to carry out carpeting work at 92 locations, which were proposed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and the seven DMCs of the megacity in 2023.

To address potholes effectively, regular road assessments should be done to identify damaged areas and allocate funds for repairs. Local communities should also be consulted for reporting issues. Lastly, implementing a transparent tracking system for repairs can enhance accountability and improve road conditions for all.