Balochistan’s Transport Department has initiated the installation of tracking devices in long-route buses, a critical measure addressing the province’s alarmingly high rate of road accidents, particularly on its designated “killer highways.”
Secretary Transport Department, Muhammad Hayat Kakar, highlighted on Friday that major thoroughfares, including the N-25 (Quetta-Karachi), N-50 (Quetta-Zhob), N-70 (Killa Saifullah-DG Khan), N-65 (Quetta-Sukkar), and N-40 (Quetta-Taftan), have long been notorious for frequent and often deadly collisions. These incidents, he noted, are primarily attributed to excessive speed and reckless driving practices.
The paramount objective of this tracker installation is to establish a robust, real-time surveillance mechanism for Public Service Vehicles. Mr Kakar explained that these devices will enable authorities to continuously monitor bus speeds, triggering an alert to a central control room if a vehicle exceeds the stipulated limit.
This continuous oversight is expected to deter drivers from engaging in dangerous practices like “racing” or imprudent driving, often motivated by the desire to collect more passengers or save time. Furthermore, the tracking system ensures that buses adhere strictly to their designated routes, preventing deviations into unsafe or unauthorised shortcuts.
The Transport Secretary stressed the mandatory nature of tracker integration for buses operating on National Highways, which experience the highest traffic volume and accident frequency. Data collected from these tracking units will be digitally scrutinised via the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHand MP) Control Room.
To guarantee adherence, the Balochistan Transport Department has established stringent consequences for bus operators, including the cancellation of permits, imposition of fines, and potential bans. Route permits will only be issued upon the presentation of a valid tracker installation certificate.
Mr Kakar framed this initiative as a significant step towards a digitised transportation system within the province. By integrating GPS technology with rigorous legal enforcement, the Balochistan government aims to foster a culture of safety and responsibility on long-haul routes, shifting away from competitive and speed-driven practices. He expressed optimism that, if successful, this model could substantially reduce fatalities on the province’s highways.