THE simultaneous construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project on University Road and an underpass at Munawar Chowrangi in Gulistan-i-Jauhar has totally disrupted the traffic flow in the entire area, creating severe commuting problems for the hapless residents.

While the service road at Munawar Chowrangi leading to Jauhar Chowrangi has recently been repaired, the main roads remain dug up and blocked.

Commuters have no viable alternatives, as nearly all roads connecting Gulistan-i-Jauhar to key routes like Sharea Faisal, Saddar, Shaheed-i-Millat and Shahrah-i-Liaquat, are either in a deplorable condition or partially closed due to construction. This situation has made short routes exhausting, doubling the commute time.

This is blatant destruction that is being carried out in the name of construction.

The pedestrian bridge near Karachi University’s Silver Jubilee gate was a safe crossing for students travelling by Qingqi rickshaws or other public transport.

However, the bridge, like most others across the University Road, has been removed due to BRT construction, making it difficult for students and faculty to navigate the heavy morning traffic on foot.

Although ground workers occasionally assist them in crossing the road, this is not a reliable solution. The road leading to Samama shopping mall, despite being repaired multiple times, also continues to crumble due to persistent sewerage issues.

A phased approach to construction, where projects are completed sequentially, could have helped prevent this gridlock. Instead, multiple city roads have been excavated all at the same time, without any clear traffic management strategy.

Rabiya Batavia
Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2025