Govt plans new expressway in city

Meeting decides reforestation along Indus River

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has announced plans to construct an expressway linking the Karachi Port to Jam Sadiq Bridge for onward movement to M9 Motorway, aiming to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the region.

The decision was made during the 45th meeting of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Board, chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday. The meeting also decided to carry out afforestation along the Indus River in the districts of Jamshoro and Matiari, covering an area of 34,995 acres. Additionally, reforestation activities will be undertaken over 88,022 hectares in the riverine areas of seven districts of the province through PPP mode. The meeting held at CM House was attended by provincial ministers; Dr. Azra Pechuho, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, Zial Lanjar, Advisor Livestock Najmi Alam, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Advocate General Hassan Akbar, PSCM Agha Wasif, VC NED Dr. Sarosh Lodhi, Asif Brohi, provincial secretaries and other concerned.

New expressway

The Chief Minister directed the Local Government Department to finalise the proposal to const another Expressway, whose nomenclature would be decided later, starting from KP Terminal to Jam Sadqi Bridge where Malir Expressway starts. "This expressway will help to give port traffic direct access to the Motorway," he said. The CM directed PPP Board to finalise the proposal otherwise, the provincial government would construct it from its resources.

Mauripur Expressway & ICI Interchange

The Local Government Department (LGD) has proposed constructing the Mauripur Expressway and ICI Interchange under a PPP model to ease traffic congestion and support heavy traffic from Karachi port. The 8-kilometre expressway will feature two lanes in each direction, a toll plaza, and a weighbridge. Additionally, a 1-kilometre, two-lane (one-way) interchange will be built at the ICI bridge. The proposal also includes an interchange at Lyari Flyover, Kakapir Flyover, and a proposed elevated U-turn.

Enhancing Forest Cover

CM Shah noted that in 2017, the World Wildlife Fund reported Pakistan as a forest-poor country, with less than 6% forest cover compared to the global standard of 25%. He emphasized the need to increase forest cover to mitigate severe climate risks, such as the 2022 floods. Shah highlighted the Sindh Forest Department's (SFD) success with the Delta Blue Carbon projects, which improved mangrove cover and generated revenue through carbon credits. The SFD has identified 34,995 hectares in Matiari and Jamshoro districts for reforestation and other purposes. Shah directed the department to plant native tree species like Babul, Kandi, Bahan, and Neem.

Shah also decided to launch reforestation over an area of 88,022 hectares for which the Asian Development Bank may be engaged as a transition advisor for the development of the project. He directed the Forest & Wildlife Department to restore Riverine Forest on 88,022 hectares located in various districts. At this, the forest dept told him that on his directives riverine districts; Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Naushehroferoze, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Larkana and Sukkur, have been identified where 88,002 hectares (217,502.14 acres) reforestation would be carried out.

Marble City Project

The chief minister expressed dissatisfaction with the project's delay and urged for its expedited completion. The Marble City, spanning 300 acres near the Northern Bypass, will provide a secure industrial zone for the marble, granite, and allied industries in Karachi. This project aims to boost exports and attract both local and international investment. Of the total area, 210 acres are allocated for commercial and industrial use, with 90 acres designated for amenities. The CM was informed that the developer has been finalised, and work will commence shortly.