CM Murad Ali Shah Sets One-Month Deadline for Completion of Two Key Karachi Underpasses
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has issued a firm directive to fast-track the completion of two major infrastructure projects in Karachi. During a high-level review meeting on development initiatives for the fiscal year 2025–26, the chief minister instructed the city administration to complete the Karimabad and Munawar Chowrangi underpasses within one month and make them fully operational for public use.
The directive was given to Murtaza Wahab, emphasizing the provincial government’s focus on improving traffic flow and easing congestion in some of Karachi’s busiest corridors. The move signals urgency as authorities aim to deliver visible progress on long-pending urban infrastructure projects.
According to officials present at the meeting, the Karimabad Underpass has reached approximately 85 percent physical completion. The project was initiated in May 2023 and was originally scheduled to be completed within 10 months. Authorities had projected an opening date of October 2024. However, unforeseen technical complications extended the timeline beyond initial expectations.
Urban mobility remains one of Karachi’s most pressing challenges. Rapid population growth, increased vehicle ownership, and aging road networks have intensified traffic congestion across the metropolitan city. The Karimabad and Munawar Chowrangi underpasses are designed to reduce bottlenecks, improve travel times, and provide smoother connectivity between key commercial and residential zones.
The chief minister stressed that further delays would not be acceptable. He directed relevant departments to resolve remaining technical hurdles immediately and ensure round-the-clock work, if necessary, to meet the revised deadline. The administration has also been asked to maintain construction quality and safety standards while accelerating the pace of work.
Infrastructure experts note that underpasses play a vital role in modern urban planning. By separating traffic flows at critical intersections, they significantly minimize signal delays and reduce accident risks. Once operational, these two underpasses are expected to bring measurable relief to daily commuters, transport operators, and businesses operating in surrounding areas.
The Sindh government has allocated substantial funds in its 2025–26 development portfolio to upgrade Karachi’s infrastructure. Officials reiterated that timely completion of ongoing schemes remains a top priority to ensure public confidence and economic efficiency.
Residents and commuters are now closely watching progress on both projects. If completed within the newly set one-month timeframe, the Karimabad and Munawar Chowrangi underpasses could mark a significant milestone in Karachi’s ongoing urban development drive.
