Foundation stone of M9-N5 Link Road interchange laid

Unhindered f low of heavy traffic from Karachi's industrial zones and port will be ensured

KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, laid the foundation stone of the M9-N5 Link Road interchange in Kathore. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the interchange on the M9 marked a crucial step in bridging the final gap in the traffic flow originating from Karachi’s industrial arteries through the M9-N5 link road project, extending its reach to the upcountry.

He highlighted the record time construction of the road leading to the interchange and its readiness. "With the integration of this missing link, the entire project will be fully operational, effectively realising its objectives," he added. The M9-N5 Link Road is a milestone as Pakistan’s first Public Private Partnership project solely based on the traffic revenue. The
concessionaire not only financed the project independently but also committed to managing operations and maintenance for the next 23 years.

During this period, the Sindh government will benefit from traffic revenue without providing any equity, Minimum Revenue Guarantee, or financial support. The chief minister acknowledged unforeseen delays in interchange construction affecting project revenues. To mitigate this, the Sindh government stepped in to compensate the concessionaire for the loss of revenue.

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He urged the FWO DG to prioritise connecting traffic to the M9 through slip lanes on a first-priority basis, alleviating the financial burden on the Sindh government and ensuring the project’s seamless progression. The provincial government expressed readiness to provide the required funds for the construction, as per the existing agreement. The CM expressed hope that the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) would complete the inter change within the stipulated 12 month timeline, outlined in the contract.

The 22-km four-lane dual-carriageway project serves as the commercial corridor, providing upcountry access to traffic from Port Qasim and industrial areas of Landhi, Korangi, and Steel Mills. Attendees at the stone-laying ceremony included Information Minister Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Secretary works Muhammad Nawaz Sohoo, PPP DG Unit Asad Zamin, PPP Unit Director Sajjad Gilal, M9-N5 Link Road PD Muhammad Ali Memon, and SE Works Khurram Mughal. Demolition of illegal construction ordered The chief minister directed the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to bulldoze the under-construction building opposite the Star Gate.

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The CM pointed out that a building opposite Star Gate has encroached upon the service road. He directed DG SBCA to bulldoze the building and take strict action against the officers who approved the layout plan or deliberately ignored the illegal construction. Commissioner Karachi Saleem Rajput told the CM that a wall had been erected in front of Falaknaz Apartments. The wall would be beautified with stone carving work and tiles showing the different cultural colours of Sindh.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab told the CM that the green belt of Sharea Faisal was being beautified with the plantation of trees, seasonal flowers while beautiful grills would also be installed there. Chowkandi Graveyard The chief minister was given detailed presentations on the progress made so far in the restoration of the Chowkandi Graveyard by the Commissioner Karachi, architects and the secretaries of culture and Forest.

Commissioner Karachi Karachi told the CM that the parking of trucks and containers along the access road has been removed. The cleanliness of the graveyard and its surrounding areas was in progress. Wahab said that the KMC would develop a park at Chowkandi Graveyard so that visitors could enjoy a proper sitting place. Architect Komal also gave a pre-
sentation about the master plan and landscape of the site.

She told the CM that she had submitted the master plan to the culture dept. The technical team of the project informed the CM that 225 graves were in good condition, 275 were partially damaged and 199 were in dilapidated condition. The chief minister desired that the design, features, financial implications, and hiring of artisans be finalised and carried out by the culture department