Murad Ali Shah emphazises on long term urban planning to tackle traffic woes

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday directed the relevant authorities to complete ongoing development schemes on time and pursue long-term urban planning measures to tackle Karachi’s mounting traffic and infrastructure problems.

He issued the directions while chairing a meeting at the Chief Minister House to review 10 major road and infrastructure projects valued at more than Rs10 billion. According to a press statement, the schemes are aimed at improving traffic movement, urban connectivity, drainage and road infrastructure in different parts of Karachi.

The projects under review include two flyovers at Power House Chowrangi and 4-K Chowrangi in North Karachi, rehabilitation of roads in Clifton Blocks 1 to 5 linked to Marine Drive, construction of an alternative corridor from Malir Court to Landhi, reconstruction of Mehrun Nisa Hospital Road in Korangi, construction of Football Stadium Baldia Road, a road connecting Gulzar-i-Hijri with the M-9, and beautification work on Sharea Faisal.

All of the schemes are being carried out by the Local Government Department through the Karachi Development Authority (KDA).

Focus on future traffic needs

During the meeting, the chief minister said Karachi’s expanding population and increasing traffic load required coordinated planning and swift execution of infrastructure works. "Our objective is to provide Karachi’s citizens with safer, faster and modern road infrastructure that improves mobility and reduces traffic congestion across the city," he added.

He instructed departments to maintain close coordination so that the schemes could be completed within the prescribed timelines without affecting quality standards.

The meeting reviewed the proposed construction of the two North Karachi flyovers, with the Power House Chowrangi project estimated at Rs2.5 billion and the 4-K Chowrangi flyover at Rs2.37 billion. Mr Shah directed officials to finalise planning and ensure the designs took future traffic requirements into account.

The chief minister also reviewed the Rs600 million road rehabilitation project in five Clifton blocks connected to Marine Drive Road. The scheme includes resurfacing roads, improving drainage, building culverts, rehabilitating the Bilawal Chowrangi drain and strengthening connectivity along the coastal corridor.

He directed that drainage improvements be carried out alongside road rehabilitation to help prevent repeated urban flooding and road damage during the monsoon season.

Additional corridor and road widening proposals

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab briefed the meeting on the proposed alternative corridor from Malir Court to Landhi, saying the project would cost Rs582 million and was expected to reduce pressure on residential areas by diverting traffic towards Shahrah-i-Bhutto.

A proposal was also presented for widening and rehabilitating Haji Camp Road from Moulvi Tamizuddin Khan Road to Mai Kolachi. Local Government Minister Nasir Shah and Mayor Wahab supported the proposal and told the chief minister it would help improve the movement of commuters and port-related traffic while enhancing access to Mai Kolachi and nearby commercial zones.

The chief minister directed the local government minister to submit the scheme for approval so work could begin.

Shah also instructed the KDA and the Local Government Department to remove hurdles delaying implementation and to ensure transparency, proper oversight and timely completion of all projects.

According to the statement, Local Government Minister Nasir Shah said subordinate bodies, including the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and KDA, were implementing development works across the city under a broader urban improvement strategy envisioned by the chief minister.

The chief minister added that the government was focusing not only on roads but also on drainage, sewerage, traffic management and beautification to support long-term sustainability in Karachi’s infrastructure development.

The meeting was attended by Planning and Development Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Planning and Development Chairman Najam Shah, Local Government Secretary Waseem Shamshad, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi, Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation CEO Ahmed Siddiqui, KDA Director General Asif Jan Siddiqui and other officials.