Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the local government department to expedite the Malir Expressway project, aiming to open its first phase to the public by the second week of August, as reported on July 11.
As per details, the CM also instructed the water board to commence the Rehabilitation of the Hub Canal project on August 1, with a goal of completion within a year. During a meeting attended by key officials, including Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani, Mayor of Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and others, the progress of major development projects in Karachi was reviewed. The Chief Minister was briefed that the first segment of the Malir Expressway, spanning from Jam Sadiq to Shah Faisal (1 to 15 km), is 77% complete. The second segment, from Shah Faisal to Kathore (15 to 38 km), is 29% complete. Saeed Ghani reported that the Jam Sadiq Bridge connectivity progress stands at 13%, while the EBM Interchange, Pir Bukhari Nullah Bridge, Chakora Nullah Bridge, and Shah Faisal Interchange have reached 96%, 99%, 99%, and 90% completion respectively. However, Quaidabad connectivity remains at 8%.
Construction on the 38.681 km Malir Expressway started on May 12, 2022, and is anticipated to be finished by June 2025. Six lanes—three in each direction—six interchanges, plus two toll plazas will all be present. The Chief Minister directed that work on Segment I be expedited, with a public opening set for August 14. This initiative is anticipated to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity within Karachi, providing a vital artery for the city’s transport network.
In addition to the expressway, the Chief Minister announced the commencement of the Rs12.73 billion Rehabilitation of the Hub Canal project. The current infrastructure will be upgraded, a new 100 MGD canal will be built, and the existing canal will be restored. The rehabilitation is expected to increase water supply by 30-35% for Karachi’s West, Central, and Keamari districts.
It is anticipated that the new canal will supply 200 MGDs of water to these districts. Murad Ali Shah stressed that no delays will be allowed and that the project will be financed by resources provided by the province administration.
Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab confirmed that the project is on track, with consultants hired and contracts awarded. August 1 is the planned start date for construction, and Shah intends to personally inspect the work in the middle of August. This project is seen as critical for addressing the city’s chronic water shortages and ensuring a more reliable and ample water supply for its residents.
Both the Malir Expressway and Hub Canal projects represent significant infrastructure investments aimed at improving the quality of life in Karachi. The Chief Minister’s proactive approach in overseeing these projects underscores the government’s commitment to rapid development and enhanced public services in Sindh.
