KARACHI: Emphasising the importance of alleviating traffic congestion in the city, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday strictly directed the authorities to finish the work on Jam Sadiq Interchange of the Malir Expressway, renamed as Shahrah-i-Bhutto, within two months.

Earlier on March 31, he directed the authorities to complete the interchange within three months.

However, during his visit to the expressway on Thursday, he again reviewed the progress of the project, which will provide a separate route for DHA and Korangi traffic on the Shahrah-i-Bhutto, and ordered its completion in two months.

Mr Shah also reviewed the progress of the under-construction roundabout near the Causeway on Shahrah-i-Bhutto and ordered its early completion.

He instructed the authorities to seek solutions for improving traffic flow towards DHA and Ayesha Masjid, ensuring seamless travel for residents and commuters.

Accompanied by Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the CM reviewed the progress of the Jam Sadiq Interchange, Quaidabad Interchange and the Shahrah-i-Bhutto expansion plan.

He also directed the project director to expedite the pace of work to ensure timely completion. “The Eid holidays are over, and now it’s time to get things moving at full speed,” he stated to the project team.

Expansion of Shahrah-i-Bhutto

In a major development, the CM outlined an ambitious plan to connect Shahrah-i-Bhutto to the Karachi Seaport within the next three years. “This connection will play a critical role in ensuring efficient transport of goods across Pakistan,” he explained. The project aims at linking the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) with Shahrah-i-Bhutto, significantly improving logistics and reducing congestion in the city.

Mr Shah visited the under-construction bridge alongside Jam Sadiq Bridge for Yellow Line and directed Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon to complete the project within the next two months.

He instructed officials to prepare detailed drawings for the proposed traffic solutions, which would be discussed in an upcoming meeting.

Quaidabad Interchange

Before heading to the Quaidabad Interchange, the chief minister personally paid the toll tax at the Shahrah-i-Bhutto Toll Plaza, setting an example of compliance.

He learned that the entry and exit ramps of the Quaidabad Interchange had been completed, and it was expected to be operational by the end of April or the first week of May.

He stressed the urgency of opening it to traffic as soon as possible to facilitate commuters.

The CM also ordered an acceleration of the construction work on the four-kilometre elevated road from Quaidabad to Samo Goth, which was essential for preserving the human settlement at Samo Goth.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2025