The metropolitan city's main artery, University Road, has turned into a nightmare for motorists and commuters as a stretch between Hassan Square and Nipa Chowrangi remains submerged in sewage water for the third consecutive day, disrupting traffic and causing immense hardship to thousands of residents.
The affected portion, which serves as a critical route for the metropolis, is home to several major educational institutions, including Karachi University, NED University, Sir Syed University, Al-Kauthar University, and the Usman Institute of Technology. It also provides access to major hospitals. Students, patients, and commuters report that the situation has made travel nearly impossible, with traffic logjams worsening each day.
Residents blame the chaos on an overflowing stormwater drain, which burst three days ago. Despite several complaints, no action has yet been taken by the concerned departments to drain the water. The sewage has started seeping into adjacent low-lying localities, raising fears of flooding in residential and commercial properties. Motorists face constant breakdowns, while pedestrians are forced to wade through knee-deep water filled with potholes and debris.
In front of Urdu Science College, large stagnant pools of sewage have formed, further narrowing the usable portion of the road. Ongoing construction work along the thoroughfare has already reduced the road's capacity, and with no pedestrian bridges along this stretch, foot traffic has become equally hazardous.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal said that what was once a 20-minute journey had already turned into a one-hour ordeal due to construction delays - now made worse by the overflow. "Public transport fares have surged, while road cuts for pedestrian crossings remain nonexistent. The river of sewage has now severed the limited access we had," he lamented.
Residents from Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Scheme 33, and nearby neighbourhoods have expressed frustration at the lack of planning in ongoing development projects. They claim no alternative routes were arranged to accommodate commuters during construction, leaving entire neighbourhoods paralysed.
Locals also complained of a pungent stench in the area, warning of serious health hazards. "The environment is becoming toxic. If drainage work is not initiated immediately, there is a real risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases," a resident warned.
Citizens have urged the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), and other relevant authorities to take immediate emergency measures to drain the sewage and restore normalcy to University Road and its surrounding areas.
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