KARACHI, Jan 13: A small portion of the main Korangi Road has become a growing trouble zone for the commuters on the road. And it contributes handsomely to the daily list of accidents recorded in the city.

Ripped up patches between Qayyumabad and Korangi Crossing are widening and deepening. Drivers trying to avoid them often bump into other vehicles. These smashups are also becoming frequent and more fatal. But the authorities seem to be least concerned about the situation.

A plan to widen the road is continued to be stalled despite a budget approved for it months ago.

The dithering to initiate the road scheme has encouraged the encroachers at Korangi Crossing to creep farther and farther onto the road.

The flooding in the Malir river during the last rains had undermined the road passing through the riverbed. The foundation of the road has been weakened and the deterioration continues.

Rs20 million had been allocated in the current budget for the expansion and improvement of the road from the Hino roundabout at Qayyumabad to Korangi Crossing.

The road is particularly in tatters near Qayyumabad. It gets submerged with sewage off and on thanks to the overflowing of a drain passing by. The spot is covered with cosmetic carpeting as often as it wears off. But no lasting solution for it is sought.

The road connects several important institutions and installations with the city. They include Pakistan Refinery, PARCO, Fatima Jinnah Medical and Dental College, the Institute of Business Management, the PAF Korangi Creek Base and the Korangi Fish Harbour. But none clamours for its reconstruction, or does not have necessary influence to make the authorities do what must do.—N.A.