In a city notorious for its traffic jams, data analytics expert Hisham Sajid’s groundbreaking findings unveil the best times to commute in Karachi, potentially saving up to 25% of daily travel time. Leveraging Google Maps’ Distance Matrix API, Sajid’s comprehensive study highlights peak traffic hours and efficient departure times, which could lead to substantial fuel savings and ease the burden on fuel imports for the city.
The analysis indicates that avoiding peak hours, particularly between 8:10-8:50 am and 6-7 pm, could result in significant fuel conservation for Karachi. By applying data-driven strategies, the city alone could potentially save an estimated 76,000 tons of fuel annually, contributing to a more sustainable future and conserving foreign exchange.
On a personal level, the benefits are equally impressive. Individuals can save up to 10% on their monthly commuting expenses, translating to an annual savings of around Rs40,000. This substantial amount of savings can be utilized for essential expenses, investments, or supporting a small family for a month.
According to data from the Sindh Bureau of Statistics, Karachi had 1.26 million registered motor vehicles in 2020, representing approximately 84% of all motor vehicles registered in Sindh. Additionally, 1.36 million tons [1.23 million tonnes] of motor spirits or petrol and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) were sold in Karachi for the same year, accounting for 46% of the total fuel consumed in the province.
Assuming that 50% of this fuel, approximately 760,000 tons [689,320 million tonnes], is consumed during daily commutes, a 20% reduction in travel time can directly impact fuel consumption. Considering factors such as car idling and lower fuel averages due to traffic congestion, this could save up to 76,000 tons [68,932 tonnes] of fuel in Karachi alone. Scaling this strategy nationwide has the potential to save a considerable amount of foreign exchange currently spent on fuel imports.
Karachi’s commuters can now celebrate as data-driven insights offer efficient navigation through the city’s bustling roads, resulting in time and cost savings. The study exemplifies the power of data analytics in addressing real-world challenges and fostering positive change in daily lives.
