KARACHI (May 13): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah o reviewed 10 major infrastructure and road development projects worth over Rs10 billion being executed by the Local Government Department through Karachi Development Authority (KDA) to improve traffic flow, urban connectivity, drainage and road infrastructure across Karachi.
Presiding over a meeting at CM House, the chief minister directed all executing agencies to ensure the timely completion of the projects, maintain construction quality, and adopt long-term urban planning solutions to address Karachi’s growing traffic and infrastructure challenges.
The meeting was attended by Local Government Minister Nasir Shah, Planning & Development Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, PSCM Agha Wasif, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Local Government Waseem Shamshad, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, CEO Water Board Ahmed Siddiqui, DG KDA Asif and other senior officials.
During the meeting, the chief minister reviewed a series of major infrastructure schemes aimed at easing congestion, improving connectivity, rehabilitating damaged roads and modernising Karachi’s urban transport corridors.
Murad Shah said Karachi’s growing population and traffic burden required integrated planning and rapid implementation of infrastructure projects. “Our objective is to provide Karachi’s citizens with safer, faster and modern road infrastructure that improves mobility and reduces traffic congestion across the city,” the chief minister said.
He directed all departments to ensure close coordination so that development schemes could be completed within stipulated timelines and without compromising quality standards.
Flyover at Power House Chowrangi in North Karachi
The meeting reviewed the proposed construction of a flyover at Power House Chowrangi in North Karachi, estimated to cost Rs2.5 billion. Minister Local Government Nasir Shah told the meeting that the 636-metre dual-track flyover would separate through traffic heading towards 4-K Chowrangi from turning traffic moving towards Saba Cinema and Khwaja Ajmer Nagri, significantly reducing congestion at one of the busiest intersections in District Central.
The chief minister was informed that approximately 80 per cent of through traffic would utilise the elevated structure, while local traffic would continue through service roads at ground level.
4-K Chowrangi Flyover:
Another major project discussed was the Rs2.377 billion 4-K Chowrangi Flyover, designed to improve uninterrupted traffic flow towards Surjani Town. Mayor Murtaza Wahab said nearly 70 per cent of traffic at the intersection currently moved towards Surjani, causing severe bottlenecks and delays.
Murad Shah directed the authorities to finalise planning and ensure both projects were designed with future traffic requirements in mind.
Rehabilitation of roads in Clifton
The meeting also reviewed the rehabilitation of roads in Clifton Blocks 1 to 5 connecting Marine Drive Road. The Rs600 million project includes road resurfacing, drainage improvement, culverts, rehabilitation of Bilawal Chowrangi drain and strengthening connectivity along the coastal corridor.
The chief minister directed that drainage systems be improved alongside road rehabilitation to prevent recurring urban flooding and road damage during monsoon rains.
Construction of an alternate corridor from Malir Court to Landhi:
Mayor Murtaza Wahab also briefed the chief minister on the construction of an alternate corridor from Malir Court/Azeempura to Murtaza Chowrangi Landhi, estimated at Rs582 million, which is expected to ease pressure on residential neighbourhoods by diverting traffic towards Shahrah-e-Bhutto.
The chief minister directed the local government Minister to submit the scheme to him for approval so that work could be started on it. “It would also ese the traffic issues in the area,” he said.
Mehrun Nisa Hospital Road
The meeting further reviewed the reconstruction of the Mehrun Nisa Hospital Road connecting Korangi 2½ to Korangi Creek Airbase for Rs660 million. Mayor Karachi said the project would improve access to healthcare facilities, industrial areas and strategic installations.
Murad Shah emphasised that projects related to hospitals and emergency access routes should be treated as priority schemes.
Football Stadium Baldia via Urdu Chowk to Shahrah-e-Orangi
The proposed construction and upgradation of the road from Football Stadium Baldia via Urdu Chowk to Shahrah-e-Orangi was also discussed. The Rs2.2 billion project aims to improve connectivity between Orangi Town, Baldia Town and Hub River Road through a widened dual carriageway with drainage and sewerage infrastructure.
The chief minister directed the KDA to start the scheme at the earliest.
Mehran/Pajero Road connecting Gulzar-e-Hijri
Similarly, rehabilitation of Mehran/Pajero Road connecting Gulzar-e-Hijri with the M-9 Motorway was reviewed. Minister Nasir Shah said the project would reduce congestion on alternate routes and improve regional connectivity for residents of Scheme-33 and adjoining areas.
Beautification works along Shahrah-e-Faisal
The chief minister also reviewed rehabilitation and beautification works along Shahrah-e-Faisal service roads, including drainage rectification, road repairs and traffic improvement measures aimed at reducing pressure on the city’s busiest arterial corridor.
He directed Water Board CEO Ahmed Siddiqui and KDA Director General Asif Jan to work together to reconstruct and improve the drainage system in the area so that beautification works could be initiated.
Widening and rehabilitation of Haji Camp
A proposal for widening and rehabilitation of Haji Camp Road from Moulvi Tamizuddin Khan Road to Mai Kolachi was also presented. The Minister local governmenty ands the Mayor stronlgly supported the project sand told the CM that that it (the project) would facilitate smoother movement of commuter and port-related traffic and improve access to Mai Kolachi and adjoining commercial areas.
Different roads:
The meeting additionally reviewed projects connecting Jinnah Avenue to Yar Muhammad Goth in Gulzar-e-Hijri and improvement of Haji Ibrahim Essa Road linking the Northern Bypass with the Super Highway, both aimed at improving freight movement and urban connectivity.
Murad Shah directed KDA and the Local Government Department to remove bottlenecks delaying execution of schemes and instructed officials to ensure transparency, proper supervision and timely completion of all projects.
“Karachi is the economic engine of Pakistan, and improving its road network and urban infrastructure is among our top priorities,” he said. “Every project must directly benefit citizens by reducing travel time, improving safety and facilitating economic activity.”
Local Government Minister Nasir Shah said the subordinate wings like KMC, KDA were implementing development projects across Karachi under a comprehensive urban improvement strategy envisgaed by the chief minister.
“These schemes are designed to resolve long-standing traffic and infrastructure problems faced by Karachi’s residents,” Murad =Shah said. “We are committed to completing these projects efficiently and transparently so that people can see practical improvement in their daily lives.” The chief minister added that the government was focusing not only on road construction but also on drainage, sewerage, traffic management and beautification to ensure long-term sustainability of infrastructure development across the city.
Sindh CM reviews major Karachi uplift schemes, directs KDA to accelerate execution of roads, flyovers and drainage projectsMurad Shah says traffic relief and better urban infrastructure are government’s top priorities; Nasir Shah vows timely completion of development schemes across Karachi
