Lahore improves global traffic ranking, surpasses 149 cities

Lahore has registered a notable improvement in urban travel-time performance, emerging ahead of 149 major global cities, according to the World Traffic Index. The city is currently ranked 149th, reflecting a significant improvement in its relative travel-time position.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore, Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi, attributed the improvement to strengthened traffic management, enhanced enforcement, improved road infrastructure, digital surveillance and growing public compliance with traffic regulations.

“The improvement in Lahore’s travel-time performance is the outcome of sustained traffic management measures, evidence-based enforcement, technological integration and greater public awareness of road safety,” the CTO said.

He said Lahore Traffic Police has introduced a more structured and technology-driven approach to traffic management, including enhanced patrolling, camera-based monitoring and digital oversight. The development of underpasses and signal-free corridors, rationalization of U-turns and strict action against wrong-way driving have also contributed to improving traffic flow.

According to the World Traffic Index, Lahore was ranked 120th in 2024 and 129th in 2025. The city’s current position at 149th represents further improvement in its travel-time performance.

The index places several major international cities significantly higher on the ranking, indicating comparatively poorer travel-time conditions. Los Angeles is ranked 3rd, Sharjah 4th, New Delhi 5th, Dhaka 7th, Tehran 14th, Istanbul 20th, Moscow 29th, Bangkok 39th, Toronto 50th, Sydney 57th, Karachi 64th and Melbourne 65th.

Other cities included in the ranking are Beijing at 76th, Dubai at 90th, London at 119th, Paris at 142nd and Tokyo at 145th.

The report also indicates that Lahore’s travel-time performance is comparatively better than that of Karachi and Islamabad, while cities in Switzerland, Austria, Sweden and Germany feature prominently among those with stronger travel-time performance.

CTO Lahore acknowledged that inadequate road infrastructure, insufficient parking facilities and encroachments continue to pose challenges to efficient traffic movement. He said coordinated efforts with relevant civic and administrative departments are being pursued to address these structural issues and further enhance mobility across the city.

“No city can achieve sustainable improvement in its traffic system without active cooperation from its citizens,” Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi said, urging motorists and road users to observe traffic laws, adopt responsible driving practices and cooperate with traffic enforcement personnel.

The CTO also appreciated the media’s role in promoting traffic discipline and road-safety awareness, saying that sustained public awareness is essential for achieving long-term improvements in urban mobility.

He said the improvement in Lahore’s travel-time performance was an encouraging indicator of the city’s evolving traffic-management framework. Lahore Traffic Police, he added, remains committed to leveraging technology, enforcement, institutional reforms and public engagement to ensure safer, smoother and more efficient mobility for citizens. The detailed World Traffic Index report is available on the Numbeo website.