Pakistan to Introduce AI-Based Digital Tolling on Motorways

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has announced a major reform in Pakistan’s motorway network, directing the National Highway Authority (NHA) to make all motorways barrier-free and aligned with global standards of digital tolling and traffic management.

Speaking at the NHA headquarters, the minister highlighted that Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based monitoring systems will first be deployed on the M-1 and M-2 motorways. These smart systems will enable computerized surveillance and send automatic text alerts to vehicle owners for traffic violations, such as over-speeding.

Aleem Khan stressed that the current practice of motorway police physically intercepting speeding vehicles must end, as it poses safety risks. Instead, he noted, “technology should take over enforcement,” making highways safer and more efficient.

Key Reforms Announced

The minister outlined a series of reforms to modernize motorway operations:

• Barrier-Free Motorways: Transition to digital toll collection for faster, smoother travel.
• AI Surveillance: Automated traffic violation detection with real-time alerts.
• Transparent Revenue Collection: Toll plaza auctions to be held transparently with full digitization.
• Commercial Policy: Uniform rules for commercial activities along highways.
• Land Use Fees: NOC fees to be set fairly based on city size and business type.
• Environmental Sustainability: Expansion of tree plantation along highways, with private sector participation in maintenance and preservation.

Toward Smarter and Greener Highways

The vision behind these reforms is to bring Pakistan’s motorway infrastructure up to international standards, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Digital tolling will reduce congestion, AI monitoring will improve compliance with traffic laws, and green initiatives will contribute to environmental preservation.

Public feedback, the minister added, will be a critical part of this transformation, ensuring that the motorway network serves commuters and businesses more effectively.

With AI-based digital tolling and smarter traffic management, Pakistan is taking a decisive step toward a modern, technology-driven transportation system.

Afsheen Gohar

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