- Shahrah-e-Bhutto to reduce traffic pressure in city: Sindh CM.
- CM orders completion of all mixed traffic lanes along Red Line.
- Work on BRT Red Line project progressing at pace: Sindh minister.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday announced that Shahrah-e-Bhutto would be opened for traffic before Eid ul Adha, describing the opening of the road as an “Eid gift for the people of Karachi”.
The Sindh CM made the announcement following an inspection of major infrastructure projects across the city.
“Shahrah-e-Bhutto will significantly reduce traffic pressure in the city and improve connectivity between M-9 and N-5 highways,” he said, adding that the heavy traffic would shift outside the city, bringing relief to the people of Karachi.
“This road is not just another project; it will serve as a lifeline for Karachi’s economy,” the Sindh CM said.
During an inspection of the under-construction Azeempura flyover in Shah Faisal Colony, he ordered Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab to complete the project within 90 days.
The flyover is part of Shahrah-e-Bhutto, which is being constructed near Shah Faisal Interchange to provide signal-free passage for traffic to and from Jinnah Terminal and adjoining areas.
The Sindh CM also directed authorities to expedite work on the Karachi Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line corridor, saying all mixed traffic lanes along the Red Line corridor should be completed within two months.
“The Red Line and Shahrah-e-Bhutto are critical corridors for the city, and there will be no unnecessary delays or compromise on quality,” he added.
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon defended delays in the BRT Red Line project, saying difficult but necessary decisions had been taken to move the work forward.
“This delay is not due to government negligence,” Memon told the media during his visit to the Red Line project site.
He said work on Packages 1 and 2 was progressing at a rapid pace, especially after the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) was given responsibilities.
The minister added that the previous contractor had received warnings and payments had been settled, but the pace of work had not improved.
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to the public, Memon said the authorities were aware of the difficulties faced by commuters due to the ongoing construction work.
However, he pointed out that infrastructure works in urban centers like Karachi presented unique challenges.
Work in cities is much more complicated, he said, explaining that authorities cannot immediately shut off gas, electricity and water lines.
The minister said efforts were underway to reopen mixed traffic lanes by the end of July to ease traffic congestion.
