KARACHI: Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has expressed dissatisfaction over the pace of work on the K-IV Augmentation scheme and directed the authorities to expedite construction, noting that the project spans over 2.7 kilometres and is vital for improving the city’s water supply.

The decision came after the chief minister visited Nipa Chowrangi on Tuesday evening to review progress on the K-IV Augmentation project and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project.

He directed the administration and police to assist the water board in ensuring the timely completion of the project and to remove hurdles causing delays.

He ordered immediate measures to address traffic congestion and other civic issues arising from the ongoing development works. He inspected cleanliness conditions, drainage arrangements and traffic management in the area, and directed the local government department to ensure proper sweeping across the city.

Orders immediate steps to ease traffic congestion caused by ongoing development schemes

On his way, the chief minister undertook a detailed review of the Red Line project, inspecting ongoing construction activities at various locations.

He was informed that following the Sindh cabinet’s approval of a provisional payment of Rs4.8 billion to address critical contractor claims, the pace of work had significantly improved.

He directed the contractors to ensure completion of the mixed traffic lanes by May 2026 and instructed the authorities to further expedite work on the stretch from Tank Chowk to Safoora. He also reviewed progress on the King Cottage Flyover and Hydrant Underpass.

Work on the Mosamiyat Flyover and the KU Elevated U-Turn was progressing rapidly, officials briefed the CM.

He directed the early completion of the mixed traffic lane from Hasan Square to Jail Chowrangi.

The chief minister also reviewed the construction of the Malir Halt Depot, which commenced on Jan 15, 2026, with a completion target of January 2027. He was informed that the cabinet had already approved funding for the Malir Halt Depot access road.

He also inspected the 18-acre former Aladdin Park land leased for depot construction, where development activities have formally begun. Construction work on both depots was under way.

He directed all concerned departments to maintain quality standards while ensuring timely completion.

He reiterated that the Red Line project would bring a transformative change to Karachi’s transport system and that reducing public inconvenience remained the government’s top priority.

The chief minister was accompanied by Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Planning and Development Chairman Najam Shah and others.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2026