Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday morning made an inspection visit to check progress in work on the Red Line corridor, Pahalwan Goth Road, Munawar Chowrangi underpass, Mosamiyat Flyover and Shahrah-e-Bhutto.
He ordered completion of mixed-traffic lanes within two months and directed the relevant officers to accelerate work on the road projects while ensuring quality and transparency.
The CM announced that Shahrah-e-Bhutto would be opened for traffic before Eidul Azha, calling it an ‘Eid gift’ for the people of Karachi.
Local Government Minister Nasir Shah, Planning and Development Minister Jam Khan Shoro and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab accompanied the CM during the visit. They began the visit by inspecting the Red Line project from Peoples Chowrangi to Safoora Chowrangi. Later, they travelled to Pahalwan Goth to review road rehabilitation work.
The CM then visited Shahrah-e-Bhutto from the Bheem Pura flyover up to Kathore where he reviewed progress and issued on-site directives to project teams.
“Our priority is to restore smooth traffic flow and provide safe, reliable infrastructure to the people of Karachi,” Murad said. “The Red Line and Shahrah-e-Bhutto are critical corridors for the city, and there will be no unnecessary delays or compromise on quality.”
Transport Secretary Asad Zamin and TransKarachi CEO Zubair Channa briefed the CM on compliance with directives issued during his previous visit to the Red Line corridor on April 29. They said repair, patchwork and rehabilitation of mixed-traffic lanes was under way, while widening works had also begun through the adjustment of jersey barriers. They added that drainage improvement and water leakage rectification works at NIPA were progressing rapidly.
Expressing concern over recurring water accumulation at NIPA, the CM directed the officials concerned to implement a permanent solution. “This location cannot be allowed to flood repeatedly. Resolve the issue properly and permanently,” he instructed.
Murad was informed that asphalt overlay works on several stretches of the corridor were being carried out during night-time to minimise inconvenience for commuters.
It was said that substantial resources had been deployed for the project, including steel, RCC pipes, asphalt pavers and milling machines, while backup asphalt stock had also been arranged to ensure uninterrupted work.
“Work must continue in multiple shifts so that deadlines are achieved, and citizens get relief at the earliest,” the CM said.
As Murad noticed that work on the flyover at Mosamiyat had been left incomplete, he directed the TransKarachi CEO to resume the work assuring him that funds and other resources would be provided.
During his inspection of Shahrah-e-Bhutto, the CM reviewed progress on the 38-kilometre corridor linking Jam Sadiq Interchange with the M-9 Kathore Interchange. He was informed that the project had achieved 93 per cent completion, all bridges had been completed, and asphalt works were nearing completion.
He was told that work on expansion joints was expected to finish within the next 10 days, while the remaining sections between RD-37 and RD-38 were likely to be completed within two weeks.
Murad directed the project director to maintain round-the-clock work, particularly on the RD-36 link road section, and stressed the need for effective traffic management and safety arrangements during construction.
“Shahrah-e-Bhutto will significantly reduce traffic pressure within the city and improve connectivity between the M-9 and N-5 highways,” he said. “This road is not just another project; it will serve as a lifeline for Karachi’s economy.”
As the CM inspected the under-construction Azeempura flyover at Shah Faisal Colony, he directed the mayor to complete the project within 90 days. The flyover is part of Shahrah-e-Bhutto and is being constructed near the Shah Faisal Interchange to provide a signal-free passage for traffic to and from the Karachi airport and the adjoining areas.
Earlier, the CM reviewed progress on the Pahalwan Goth Road rehabilitation and improvement project. Wahab briefed him on the Rs1.59 billion scheme, which includes the construction of a 4.26-kilometre dual carriageway along with drainage, sewerage and modern LED streetlight infrastructure.
Murad also inspected the under-construction Munawar Chowrangi Underpass to facilitate traffic flow from Kamran Chowrangi towards Gulistan-e-Jauhar. He said the project would greatly benefit residents of Malir, Safoora and adjoining areas by improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion.
The CM emphasised that no compromise would be tolerated on construction standards, transparency or timely completion. He directed all departments and contractors to work in close coordination, complete pending utility and drainage works without delay, and implement effective alternative traffic plans to minimise inconvenience to the public.
