CM Murad Shah orders acceleration of Malir River Bridge works to open it for public in June

KARACHI (Jan 16): On the directives of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, a team from the Planning and Development Department visited the under-construction bridge on Malir River at N-5 (Murghikhana), Qaidabad, District Malir, to review progress and quality of work on the strategic infrastructure project.

The monitoring and evaluation (MEC) team, led by Engineer Aurangzeb Vistro (RMEO) and Engineer Imran Memon, inspected the Rs 3,006.690 million under construction Bridge on the Malir River at N-5 (Murghikhana), Karachi.

During the visit, the MEC team, accompanied by the technical staff, including Engr. Kamran (AEE), Engr. Minhaj Uddin Nasri (RE) and Consultants carried out a detailed review of both construction progress and quality standards. On-site quality tests were conducted, including non-destructive tests (NDT) using a Schmidt hammer to verify concrete compressive strength. Measurements of girders and transom dimensions were also taken to ensure compliance with design specifications.

Chairman P&D Najam Shah and DG P&D Altaf Sario briefed the chief minister that the physical progress of the scheme has reached 65 per cent, while financial expenditure stands at 61.6 per cent. The chief minister directed the P&D department to ensure completion of the project before June 2026. At the current stage, the pace of work was termed satisfactory by the MEC team.

The Chief Minister reiterated that there would be no compromise on the quality of development works and directed that all construction standards be strictly maintained. He further instructed that the bridge project be completed by May 2026, emphasising timely completion in the public interest.

In its observations, the MEC team advised the executing agency to address certain issues to ensure the remaining works are completed on time. These include issuing letters to K-Electric over delays in utility relocation, which are impacting the scheme’s completion timeline. And, immediately arranging stockpiles of gravel and aggregate base for ramps A and B, as the required material was found missing at the site. The team noted that advance stocking of material would significantly reduce execution time.

The Planning and Development team informed the Chief Minister that, overall, the pace of work on the project is satisfactory. On the CM’s instructions, directions have also been issued to K-Electric to expedite utility shifting.

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah ordered that sufficient stock of gravel and aggregate base for ramps be ensured without delay, stressing that the timely availability of construction material is essential for early completion of the bridge project.

The Malir River bridge at N-5 (Murghikhana) is considered a key connectivity scheme for Karachi’s traffic flow, and the provincial government is closely monitoring its execution to facilitate commuters and improve regional infrastructure.