KARACHI, Dec 7: The foundation-stone of the city's first underpass was laid at Gharibabad traffic intersection in Liaquatabad Town by the City Nazim, Niamatullah Khan, on Tuesday.

The 560-metre-long underpass, which is being built by the city district government at a cost of Rs 135 million, will be completed in four months. With the construction of the underpass, traffic congestion on Sir Shah Suleman Road and Shahrah-i-Ibne Sina (from Gulshan-i-Iqbal's Hasan Square to Liaquatabad No 10) would be eased considerably.

Speaking on the occsasion, the Nazim said 1,500 meter long stormwater drain would be constructed in the underpass and 68 poles and 139 lights would be installed.

"In fact, Karachi is rapidly becoming an exemplary city owing to fast development works being carried out," the Nazim said, adding that this underpass would be first of its kind in the city while work on similar underpasses at FTC and Sohrab Goth would also be initiated shortly.

He said a feasibility report was being prepared to construct a tunnel in Paharganj hills for reducing distance between North Nazimabad, Manghopir and Qasba.