Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed Azeempura Flyover, an important urban infrastructure project designed to improve traffic flow between Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Shah Faisal Colony, Sharea Faisal and the Jinnah International Airport.
Accompanied by Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Shah, Provincial Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah and Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, the CM formally opened the flyover to traffic, praising the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) for completing the project within a record period of 90 days against a target of 100 days.
It may be noted here that the project, which started on March 8, was completed on June 8, and was officially inaugurated on June 14. The project, undertaken by the KMC with funding from the LG department, has been completed at a cost of Rs1.562 billion, and includes flyover construction, road widening and rehabilitation, drainage improvements, electrification works, footpaths, median barriers and a redesigned roundabout at the busy Azeempura intersection.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the CM said the project would significantly improve mobility for thousands of commuters travelling daily between Korangi, Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, Shahrah-e-Bhutto and the Karachi airport.
“The Azeempura Flyover is another important step towards modernising Karachi’s road infrastructure, and providing citizens with safer, faster and more efficient transportation facilities,” he added.
He said that the newly opened corridor would ease traffic congestion at one of the city’s busiest intersections while providing direct connectivity from Shahrah-e-Bhutto to Shah Faisal Colony, and onward to Sharea Faisal and the airport. “Karachi is the economic engine of Pakistan, and improving its transportation network is essential for economic growth, public convenience and urban development,” said the CM.
He commended the LG minister, the mayor and the KMC engineering team for completing the project within the stipulated time-frame. “Completing a project of this scale in just 90 days reflects the commitment and capability of our local government institutions. The people of Karachi deserve modern infrastructure, and we will continue investing in projects that improve their quality of life.”
The scheme includes a 700-metre dual-track flyover, 1,255 metres of dual-track main carriageway and additional at-grade roads connecting Azeempura Road, Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Shah Faisal Colony and Thandi Sarak.
The project also features approximately 2,075 metres of drain rehabilitation works, 850 metres of footpaths, a newly developed roundabout, centre median barriers, and a comprehensive street-lighting system comprising 93 poles and 157 modern light fixtures.
The LG minister said the project was initiated to address severe traffic congestion, deteriorating road conditions and inadequate drainage infrastructure in the area. The completed scheme is expected to improve traffic management, reduce travel times and facilitate smoother access for residents, businesses and airport-bound commuters, he added.
The mayor said the project reflects the city administration’s commitment to delivering visible improvements in urban infrastructure and public services. The CM reiterated that his provincial government would continue supporting infrastructure projects aimed at transforming Karachi into a modern and efficient metropolitan city.
“Our vision is to create a Karachi where mobility is easier, travel is safer and public infrastructure meets the needs of a growing population. Projects such as the Azeempura Flyover are part of that larger vision.”
Talking to the media at the inauguration ceremony, he said his government has accelerated infrastructure development across Karachi and other parts of the province. He said that over the past four to six months, the government has inaugurated several major development projects, including Shahrah-e-Bhutto, the Korangi Causeway Bridge, the Bhains Colony Bridge and the Mina Bazaar project.
He said the Sindh government is committed to improving Karachi’s infrastructure, and has initiated a number of development schemes to address the city’s growing needs. Criticising political opponents, the CM said Karachi had once been handed over to a party that only knew how to fight, and today its leaders are busy fighting among themselves.
He said President Asif Ali Zardari had called him earlier in the day to enquire about the inauguration of the Azeempura Bridge, adding that the Pakistan Peoples Party leadership continuously issues directives aimed at the development and prosperity of Karachi.
Referring to past federal commitments, he said that a prime minister (of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf regime) had visited Karachi and announced development projects worth billions of rupees but failed to provide any funds for their execution.
The CM said the Sindh government required Rs64 billion from the federal government for various development projects in the province, and these allocations have now been included in the federal budget.
Talking about water issues, he said that while all other rivers have adequate water flows, the Indus River is facing shortages, which raises serious concerns about where the water is going. He added that he had written to the PM on the matter, and that the issue is now moving toward resolution.
The CM welcomed the allocation of Rs30 billion by the federal government for the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway project. However, he expressed concern that the Centre has not allocated the required funds to enable the Water and Power Development Authority to complete the K-IV project during the current fiscal year.
He said the Sindh government is therefore undertaking the K-IV augmentation projects through its own resources and with the support of donor agencies.
Responding to criticism of Shahrah-e-Bhutto, the CM said that those criticising the project should first resolve their own internal disputes. He also said that several pedestrian bridges have already been constructed, and more would be built to facilitate citizens and improve road safety.
