In a powerful, on-the-ground push this week, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah personally inspected three major development sites in Karachi, effectively putting project authorities on notice. Accompanied by top officials, including Minister Sharjeel Memon, Local Government Minister Nasir Shah, and Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the CM’s message was unambiguous: stop making excuses, increase manpower, and finish these vital projects immediately.
His inspection covered the Korangi Causeway, key segments of Shahrah-i-Bhutto, and the much-delayed Karimabad Underpass. The focus wasn’t just on progress—it was on eliminating the infamous bottlenecks that plague Karachi’s development efforts.
The Korangi Causeway: A ‘Vital Artery’ Under Pressure
The inspection began at the Korangi Causeway, a crucial route currently undergoing elevation and reconstruction to finally make it resilient against seasonal floods. CM Shah didn’t mince words, expressing “serious concern” over the prolonged suffering of commuters and the disruption to Karachi’s economic engine.
“Korangi Causeway is a vital artery. Its repeated closures cause immense hardship for the public and disrupt Karachi’s economic activity,” he stressed.
His order was a direct challenge to the contractors: “Stop working in segments, work in full force. I want steady, visible progress every single day.” He also called for immediate steps to increase resources and improve coordination with traffic police for smoother diversions.
Shahrah-i-Bhutto: Setting the Finish Line
The CM then moved to the Murghi Khana segment of Shahrah-i-Bhutto (Section-I). With the Local Government Minister briefing him that 98% of physical work is complete, CM Shah set a firm deadline for the final touches: “Complete the remaining work quickly so we can open it fully to the public by December 2025 or January 2026.”
He directed the team to start signboard installation and landscaping right away, ensuring that citizens “feel the difference” the moment the corridor opens. Furthermore, he directed that the elevated portion at Samo Goth must be ready for traffic within the next two months.
Karimabad Underpass: The 24/7 Mandate
The final, and perhaps most scrutinized, stop was the Karimabad Underpass in District Central. This Rs. 3.21 billion project, intended to ease severe traffic congestion, has been heavily delayed. With 85% of physical work done, Mayor Wahab was on hand to update the CM.
The Chief Minister’s demand here was the most forceful: round-the-clock work.
“People face traffic jams here daily. This underpass must be completed at the earliest. I don’t want excuses. Increase your work speed and ensure top-quality materials. Karachi deserves durable infrastructure,” he demanded.
To enforce this new sense of urgency, all executing agencies were instructed to submit weekly progress reports directly to his office.
The Takeaway
Addressing the engineering teams, CM Shah reiterated his core belief: “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.”
This inspection was a firm declaration that the Sindh government intends to push these projects over the finish line, turning key promises into tangible improvements for Karachi’s citizens.
