KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah directed authorities concerned for swift completion of the Korangi Causeway, Shahrah-i-Bhutto and the Karimabad underpass projects.

Accompanied by Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, Local Government Minister Nasir Shah and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the CM undertook an extensive inspection of the three projects to review the progress.

According to a press statement, his focus was on eliminating bottlenecks and ensuring that these vital urban mobility corridors are delivered to the public without further delay.

The inspection began at the Korangi Causeway, where reconstruction and elevation work are underway to make the route resilient against seasonal flooding and repeated closures.

Karimabad underpass achieves 85pc progress, mayor tells CM

CM Shah expressed serious concern over the prolonged inconvenience to commuters and the vital industrial sector. “Korangi Causeway is a vital artery. Its repeated closures cause immense hardship for the public and disrupt Karachi’s economic activity,” he said.

The chief minister instructed the LG minister to immediately increase manpower and equipment on the project site. “Stop working in segments, work in full force. I want steady, visible progress every single day,” he directed.

He also stressed the need for better coordination with the traffic police to ensure smoother diversions until the causeway is fully operational.

The CM then proceeded to the Murghi Khana segment of the 15 km-long Section-I of Shahrah-i-Bhutto. Minister Nasir Shah briefed him that 98 per cent of physical work had been completed, with only finishing touches remaining.

He inspected the completed portions and said: “It is an important corridor for the people of the city. Complete the remaining work quickly so we can open it fully to the public by December 2025 or January 2026,” he instructed.

He directed the project director to immediately begin signboard installation and landscaping. “Traffic flow must improve, and the public should feel the difference the moment this section opens,” the CM said, insisting on final quality checks before formal opening.

The chief minister also visited the Samo Goth Segment of Shahrah-i-Bhutto, where the elevated portion was under construction. He directed the project director to speed up the work so that it could be opened for traffic within the next two months.

During his visit to the under-construction Karimabad underpass, the CM demanded round-the-clock work on the much-delayed project designed to ease severe traffic congestion in district Central.

He reviewed the structural and finishing works. Mayor Wahab informed him that 85pc of physical work had been completed on the Rs3.21 billion project, which features a 6.1-meter-wide dual track.

“People face traffic jams here daily. This underpass must be completed at the earliest,” the CM remarked after inspecting the work.

He directed the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) to carry out round-the-clock work where possible. “I don’t want excuses. Increase your work speed and ensure top-quality materials. Karachi deserves durable infrastructure,” he said, instructing the team to submit weekly progress reports directly to his office.

Addressing project directors and engineers at the sites, Mr Shah reinforced his government’s commitment to improving urban mobility. “Karachi needs fast, safe and modern infrastructure. These projects are not just roads, but they are the backbone of the city’s economy and daily life,” he concluded, directing all executing agencies to eliminate all existing bottlenecks.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2025