Pakistan Motorways to Become Barrier-Free with AI-Based Monitoring

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has instructed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to transform all motorways into barrier-free roads, aligning them with global standards of digital tolling and smart traffic management.

During a meeting at the NHA headquarters, the minister announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI)–powered monitoring would first be deployed on the M-1 and M-2 motorways. This advanced system will enable computerized surveillance and issue automatic text alerts to vehicle owners for traffic violations, including over-speeding.

Highlighting road safety concerns, Aleem Khan said, “Technology should take over enforcement,” stressing that the outdated practice of motorway police stepping in front of speeding vehicles must be discontinued to protect lives.

The minister also directed the NHA to implement reforms in toll collection and contracting, ensuring transparency in toll plaza auctions. He further emphasized digitizing all revenue streams and applying a uniform policy for commercial activities along highways. Public feedback, he noted, should be actively considered to enhance services.

Additionally, the NHA was instructed to standardize No Objection Certificate (NOC) fees according to city size and business type. Aleem Khan also pushed for large-scale tree plantation projects along highways, involving private companies in planting, maintenance, and preservation to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.