CM Murad reviews progress on Karachi mega projects
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has instructed officials to expedite work on three major infrastructure projects in Karachi; the Karimabad Underpass, Korangi Causeway, and Malir Expressway.
During a progress review meeting chaired by CM Shah, updates on the Karimabad Underpass, Malir Expressway, and Korangi Causeway Bridge were discussed, Express News reported.
The meeting was attended by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Secretary of Local Government Khalid Haider Shah, and project directors Niaz Soomro, Zulfiqar Abro, P&D member Sikandar, among others.
“These are critical projects,” said CM Shah, referring to the Malir Expressway, Korangi Causeway, and Karimabad Underpass. “I personally visit these sites and expect regular progress updates,” he added.
Karimabad Underpass
The Karimabad Underpass, designed with two lanes in each direction, is being constructed at a cost of Rs3.8 million. The underpass spans 1,080 metres, of which 300 metres of work has already been completed. Out of 212 pre-cast girders needed for the bridge, 151 have been installed.
Sindh Chief Minister inquired about the physical progress of the project, and he was informed that 30% of the construction has been finished. The Chief Minister directed the Local Government Minister to personally oversee the project.
It was further disclosed in the meeting that a roundabout is being constructed at Meena Bazaar and Bazaar Faisal to manage traffic flow. The Karimabad Underpass is part of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) scheme.
The Chief Minister also instructed the Karachi Mayor to ensure that the Karimabad Underpass is completed promptly. This project was initiated by the Sindh government through the KDA.
Korangi Causeway
The Korangi Causeway Bridge, a project valued at Rs6.4 billion rupees, spans 1,385 metres in length and 26 metres in width. The bridge includes loops and ramps extending 2.5 kilometres, with 300 out of 400 piles completed so far.
During the briefing, officials shared that out of the required 600 girders, 504 have been installed, 40 of the 200 pier shafts have been completed, and 20 of the 50 pile caps are done.
Sindh Chief Minister instructed the Local Government Minister to accelerate the construction, noting that 30% of the bridge work has been completed.
Malir Expressway
Work on the Malir Expressway, stretching from Jam Sadiq Bridge to Shah Faisal, is progressing rapidly. This project covers a total distance of 38.889 kilometres from Jam Sadiq Bridge to Kathore.
The Sindh Chief Minister has directed that Phase One of the project be completed by December 25, 2024.
Additionally, he instructed the Mayor of Karachi to ensure road improvements from Shah Faisal to the airport.