KARACHI: Indus Motor Company (IMC) and NED University of Engineering and Technology (NEDUET) have signed a landmark agreement to establish an Urban Mobility Implementation Unit (UMIU) at the university. The unit will focus on identifying and treating high-risk accident locations, improving traffic flow and corridor performance, enhancing safety for vulnerable road users, strengthening stakeholder coordination, and developing an Artificial Intelligence-based Accident and Incident Management System (AIMS).
Project Details and Funding
The project is supported by Toyota's flagship road safety initiative, the Toyota Road Improvement Program (TRIP). The UMIU will be established as a dedicated platform to translate research into practical, city-wide solutions through the university's Centre of Environment and Social Sustainability (CESS) and Department of Urban and Infrastructure Engineering. As part of the agreement, IMC will provide funding of 20.7 million rupees to NEDUET over three years to support implementation activities, technical studies, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building programs.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ali Asghar Jamali, Chief Executive Officer of IMC, emphasized the importance of collective action: "Road safety remains one of Karachi's most pressing urban challenges and requires collective action from all stakeholders. Through the Toyota Road Improvement Program, we have worked alongside academia and law enforcement agencies for over a decade to promote safer roads and responsible road-user behavior. This collaboration with NED University represents the next phase of that journey, enabling us to move beyond research and accelerate the implementation of data-driven solutions that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Karachiites."
Syed Pir Muhammad Shah, DIG Traffic, Sindh Police, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the role of collaboration: "Effective road safety management requires evidence-based interventions and strong partnerships among enforcement agencies, academia, and the private sector. This initiative will help strengthen efforts to improve traffic management, enhance road-user safety, and reduce traffic-related injuries across Karachi."
Representing NED University, Prof Dr Noman Ahmed, Pro Vice Chancellor NEDUET, stated: "This partnership reflects NED University's commitment to applying innovation and engineering excellence to improve public safety and support sustainable urban development."
Javed Akbar Riaz, DIG Zonal Commander NHMP (South), representing Motorways Police, said: "The National Highways and Motorway Police remains committed to supporting efforts that enhance road-user awareness, strengthen safety practices, and contribute to reducing traffic accidents through innovation, research, and effective coordination."
