Monsoon rains batter city’s roads

Thoroughfares, streets riddled with potholes, craters

KARACHI:

The condition of roads in the metropolitan city has worsened after the recent rains, creating severe transportation challenges. Both major arteries and service roads are now riddled with potholes, many of which are filled with rainwater and sewage, increasing the risk of road crashes.

Despite the pressing need for repairs, no maintenance work has been started, and both the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and town administrations have been drawing public flak for neglecting their duties.

The monsoon season has yet to fully arrive, but intermittent rainfall has already caused extensive damage to the city's infrastructure. Areas such as Four K Chowrangi and Isa Nagri have seen major road damages, while roads in Sohrab Goth and Hassan Square are pockmarked with large potholes. The situation is particularly dire around the University area, where commute times have increased dramatically during peak hours.

Many roads, already in dilapidated condition before the rains, have now become nearly impassable. Areas like Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Federal B Area, and various localities in Korangi, Landhi, Malir, and others are witnessing severe road damage. In these neighbourhoods, 90% of the roads are reported to be destroyed, leaving residents struggling with daily commutes.

The city's infrastructure requires urgent attention. While the KMC is responsible for maintaining main roads, and town administrations oversee internal streets, both civic bodies, along with the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), have been criticised for their "poor performance."

Municipal experts assert that the Sindh government and municipal institutions need to take immediate and effective action to address the infrastructure crisis. The current state of the roads has left citizens enduring considerable hardship, with central and local streets heavily congested and travel increasingly difficult.