Karimabad underpass nears completion; CM orders resolution of utility issues to open scheme by March 2026

On the directions of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, an MEC team led by Aurangzeb Vistro, Regional Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (RMEO), visited the ADP scheme “Construction of 2+2 Lane Underpass at Karimabad,” District Central.

During the visit, the MEC team, in coordination with the technical staff of the Executing Agency (EA), closely reviewed the progress and quality of construction work. On-site quality tests were conducted, and measurements were taken to assess compliance with approved standards. Following detailed inspections, the overall physical progress of the scheme was recorded at 85 per cent, while financial expenditure stood at 81.27 per cent, reflecting satisfactory utilisation of funds.

As per the Administrative Approval, the scheme was scheduled for completion in the fiscal year 2025–26. However, the Executing Agency informed the MEC team that the project is now expected to be completed by April 2026, attributing the delay primarily to the shifting of K-Electric (KE) utilities. The CM has directed the KMC to complete the scheme by the end of March 2026.

At the current stage, Ramp-A, from Hussainabad towards Karimabad, has reached 91 per cent physical completion, while the barrel section of the underpass is 92 per cent complete. Ramp-B, extending from the barrel endpoint towards Ziauddin Hospital, has achieved 75 per cent physical progress.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, taking notice of the project’s progress, reiterated his government’s commitment to improving Karachi’s traffic infrastructure.

“Karimabad Underpass is a vital project for easing traffic congestion in District Central. The Sindh government is ensuring that development schemes are completed with quality, transparency, and within stipulated timelines,” the chief minister said.

He further directed the concerned departments to resolve all outstanding issues without delay. “Utility shifting should not become a hurdle in public welfare projects. I have instructed the executing agency to maintain close coordination with KE so that the remaining works are completed on priority,” CM Murad Ali Shah emphasised.

To ensure timely completion, the MEC team advised the Executing Agency to maintain routine coordination with KE for relocation of utilities by the first week of February 2026, with progress updates to be shared with MEC. The team also directed the EA to expedite work on Ramp-B to ensure its completion by the third week of February 2026.

The chief minister expressed confidence that, upon completion, the Karimabad Underpass would significantly improve traffic flow and provide relief to commuters. “Our focus remains on delivering sustainable infrastructure that improves daily life for the people of Karachi,” he added.