Delay in Autobahn Phase III irks industrialists

Say damaged infrastructure causing financial losses, operational snags

HYDERABAD:

Industrialists have expressed concern over delays in the construction of a stretch of the Autobahn Road passing through the SITE area, claiming that the prolonged disruption has resulted in financial losses and operational difficulties for industries.

The Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade and Industry (HSATI) on Sunday urged the Sindh government to expedite completion of the Autobahn Phase III project, saying that the deadline for the project has already been missed.

Work on the 13-kilometre partial ring road, which connects Qasimabad, Hussainabad, Latifabad and the commercial section of Autobahn Road to Hala Naka on the city's outskirts, began in October 2023.

The project includes widening the existing road to three lanes on each side, construction of storm-water drains along various stretches and expansion of three canal bridges.

HSATI Chairman Zubair Ghangra said the delay was creating serious challenges for industries operating in the SITE area.

He stated that industrial production, supply of raw materials and transportation of finished goods were all being adversely affected due to the damaged and uprooted road.

He also criticised traffic management during the construction phase, saying the traffic police had failed to regulate the flow of vehicles, resulting in frequent traffic jams involving cars, motorcycles and heavy transport vehicles.

"This disruption is increasing operational costs for industries and slowing overall business activity," he said, adding that the project had also affected water supply pipelines serving the SITE area.

The HSATI chairman suggested that the government should provide an alternative route until the completion of the project to minimise inconvenience to industrial and commercial traffic.

Describing Autobahn Phase III as a vital economic artery for the SITE area, he said the project would directly link the industrial zone with the National Highway and the M-9 Motorway upon completion. He further called for the demolition of a wall belonging to the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), which he said was obstructing traffic flow in the area.

Industrialists have appealed to the provincial authorities to ensure early completion of the project to prevent further losses and restore smooth movement of goods and traffic.