By Danyal Shams
Mardan is a city on the rise, but its streets are struggling to keep up. Every day, the traffic situation seems to get worse, turning even short trips into stressful ordeals. Congested intersections, chaotic driving, and constant bottlenecks have become part of daily life, while the risk of accidents continues to climb. The city’s infrastructure, designed decades ago, is simply inadequate to handle the growing number of vehicles and the explosive increase in private and commercial traffic.
The responsibility for this crisis is shared. Citizens, authorities, and law enforcement all play a role, and failure on any of these fronts worsens the situation.
One of the most visible problems is the lack of traffic discipline among drivers. Wrong U-turns, driving on the wrong side, sudden lane changes, and using shoulders or sidewalks to overtake have become routine. Many drivers rush through the city as if traffic rules don’t apply to them, putting themselves, other motorists, and pedestrians at risk. Rickshaws have further compounded the problem. Hundreds of these small vehicles, often unregistered or poorly maintained, weave unpredictably through traffic, and stop abruptly to pick up passengers, and block entry and exit points of key markets. Residents often spend twenty to thirty minutes crossing stretches of road that should take five minutes. At busy chowks like Police line, College chowk, malakand chowk, muqam chowk and Bypass, vehicles come to a standstill daily as impatient drivers and rickshaws jostle for space.
Traffic police are visible at almost every major intersection, with four to five officers deployed at each chowk. Yet much of their time is spent issuing challans rather than actively managing traffic flow, guiding vehicles, or preventing congestion. Enforcement alone cannot fix the problem; traffic management must be proactive, not reactive.
Leadership at the top can make a real difference. DIG Mardan, Rab Nawaz Khan, and DPO Mardan, Masood Bangesh, have the authority to implement meaningful reforms. Appointing a young, energetic, and professional SP Traffic with fresh ideas, strong field presence, and a proactive approach could dramatically improve traffic management in the city. Chowki in-charges should also take special responsibility during peak hours, particularly during school and college opening and closing times, to prevent gridlocks and ensure student safety.
Strict enforcement must go hand-in-hand with smart management. Authorities should take decisive action against those who travel on the wrong side of the road, issuing hefty challans, temporarily seizing vehicles, and filing FIRs for repeat offenders. Such measures will send a clear message that reckless driving will not be tolerated and will encourage citizens to respect traffic laws.
Citizens also have a crucial role to play. Traffic discipline is not merely a legal obligation; it is a civic responsibility. Following signals, respecting lanes, giving priority to pedestrians, and exercising patience can dramatically reduce congestion. Parents should educate children about road safety, schools should implement awareness programs, and every driver should embrace cooperation over competition. Even small changes—like stopping at intersections, avoiding illegal shortcuts, and allowing smoother flow for rickshaws—can make a big difference in the daily traffic situation.
Modern solutions can further help address the problem. Smart traffic signals, surveillance cameras, clearly marked lanes, designated parking areas, and regulated rickshaw routes can all ease congestion. However, technology alone is not enough; leadership, accountability, and active involvement from both authorities and citizens are essential.
Mardan stands at a critical juncture. Without immediate and coordinated action, the city risks descending into complete gridlock, with accidents, frustration, and delays escalating daily. The crisis is not just about roads; it is about behavior, discipline, and leadership. Bold action is needed—from both citizens and authorities—to reclaim order, safety, and efficiency on our streets.
The people of Mardan deserve roads that are safe, organized, and efficient. Authorities must implement strict enforcement measures, proactive traffic management, and long-term planning, while citizens must embrace civic responsibility and follow traffic rules. Only through leadership, discipline, and collective effort can Mardan’s streets be transformed from chaotic and dangerous thoroughfares into safe and orderly roads. The time for half-measures, excuses, and temporary fixes is over. The streets of Mardan cannot wait any longer—the time for action is now.
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