Karachi’s development projects are long-term investments in economic growth, traffic management, quality of Life: Murad Shah

Karachi’s development projects are long-term investments in economic growth, traffic management, quality of Life: Murad Shah

KARACHI (Dec 14): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday morning undertook an extensive visit to the city to review the progress of multiple mega development and transport infrastructure projects, including Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Korangi Causeway Bridge Junction, Malir River bridges, flyovers in Malir, and the BRT Red Line and Green Line corridors.

Accompanied by Provincial Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Syed Qasim Naveed, and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, the CM inspected ongoing works and received detailed briefings from concerned departments and project officials.

Speaking during the visit, the Chief Minister said that Karachi’s development projects were not merely construction activities but “long-term investments for the city’s economic growth, traffic improvement, and quality of life.”

“These projects are essential for transforming Karachi into a modern, competitive, and livable city. There will be no compromise on quality, transparency, or timelines,” Mr Shah asserted.

Korangi Causeway Bridge Junction (Shahrah-e-Bhutto)

The Chief Minister visited the Korangi Causeway Bridge - a Junction project of Shahrah-e-Bhutto - where he was briefed on its progress and design features. The Rs 1.89 billion mega project is being executed under the Sindh Local Government Department.

The project includes four loops and four slip roads, with a total length of 2.7 kilometres and a main carriageway measuring 741.656 metres. The combined length of slip roads is 1,427.160 metres. Local Government Minister Nasir Shah told the chief minister that construction work commenced on October 1, 2025, and 40 per cent of the project has been completed so far.

Directing the local government minister to accelerate construction, the Chief Minister said, “Due to its location over the Malir River, Korangi Causeway often submerges during the monsoon season, causing severe traffic disruptions. Once completed, this junction will ensure smooth traffic flow and provide long-term relief to citizens.”

The CM stressed the importance of safety arrangements and effective alternative routes during construction, adding that “citizens’ convenience during ongoing works must be ensured.” He said the project would significantly reduce traffic congestion in Korangi, Qayyumabad, and adjoining areas and boost industrial and commercial activity upon completion.

N-5 Bridge over Malir River (Murghi Khana)

Chief Minister Murad Shah also inspected the construction of the N-5 bridge over the Malir River near Murghi Khana, the project being implemented under the 2024–25 development programme.

With a total cost of Rs 2.9216 billion, the project began on March 20, 2025, and is scheduled for completion by March 20, 2026. The bridge will have a total length of 457 metres and a carriageway width of 15 metres, along with ramps, service roads, medians, footpaths, and a modern bridge structure.

“Infrastructure projects like this bridge are indispensable for addressing Karachi’s traffic challenges. Delays will not be tolerated, and the project must be completed within the stipulated timeframe,” the Chief Minister directed.

He added that the bridge would provide “safe, faster, and more efficient travel for Karachiites, particularly residents of Malir and surrounding areas.”

Khalid Bin Walid Road Flyover (Bhains Colony)

During his visit to Malir, the Chief Minister reviewed construction work on the Khalid Bin Walid Road flyover at Bhains Colony over the railway line. The project is being executed under the CLICK Phase-II programme, sponsored by CLICK and implemented by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).

The flyover, stretching 682 metres in length and 20.65 metres in width, will connect Mehran Highway to National Highway (N-5). It will feature two lanes on each side, with each lane measuring 3.65 metres in width. The project also includes ramps, an at-grade road of 1,418 metres, parking lanes, and footpaths.

The total cost of the project is Rs 1.6218 billion, with financial progress at 48 per cent and physical progress at 58 per cent. Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab told the CM that all 20-metre and 50-metre girders have been launched, while work on MSE walls is progressing on both sides.

“This flyover is part of our broader vision to improve urban mobility and make Karachi a more livable city,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the project is expected to be completed by January 2026,” the CM said.

BRT Red Line:

Chief Minister Murad Shah inspected the BRT Red Line corridor from Malir Cantt to Numaish. He termed the Red Line “one of the most important and strategic public transport projects of the Sindh government.”

“The purpose of the BRT Red Line is to provide fast, safe, dignified, and environmentally friendly transport to Karachi’s residents. This project will revolutionise daily commuting,” the CM said.

Secretary Transport Asad Zamin briefed the Chief Minister that the Red Line corridor comprises two lots. Lot One extends from Malir Halt to Numaish, spanning 9.65 kilometres, while Lot Two measures 12.85 kilometres. Lot One includes seven modern bus stations, three underpasses, two flyovers, two bus depots, drainage systems, landscaping works, and dedicated BRT infrastructure.

The total cost of Lot One exceeds Rs 13.79 billion, with overall project completion at 36.01 per cent. To a CM’s question, delays were attributed to heavy rains, utility relocation issues, and design changes. Directing authorities to expedite work, the Chief Minister said:

“Development projects must be completed at the earliest, with minimal inconvenience to citizens. Local communities and traders must be facilitated, and environmental and safety standards must be strictly observed.”

Green Line:

The Chief Minister also reviewed the ongoing work on the Green Line project at MA Jinnah Road, including bus stops, ticketing systems, and underpass facilities, where CEO TransKarachi, Fawad Soomro, briefed the Chief Minister.

“MA Jinnah Road is one of the busiest arteries of Karachi. Work on the Green Line must be carried out at the fastest possible pace while ensuring safety and smooth traffic flow,” he instructed.

Concluding his visit, the Chief Minister reiterated that the Sindh government remains committed to delivering modern infrastructure solutions for Karachi. “These projects are not just roads, flyovers, or bus corridors - they are guarantees of Karachi’s prosperity. We will ensure better, safer, and faster travel for every citizen,” he said.

Chief Minister Murad Shah directed all concerned departments, consultants, and contractors to strengthen coordination, enhance monitoring, and use technology and smart management tools to ensure the timely completion of projects with the highest quality standards.