| Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has expressed dissatisfaction over delays in the Malir Expressway project, urging officials to expedite solutions to the issues stalling its progress. During an inspection of the 39.889 km under-construction expressway, Shah highlighted the urgency of completing the project’s first segment to alleviate traffic congestion in Karachi.
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During his visit to the Zero Point of Malir Expressway near Jam Sadiq Bridge, Shah reviewed the site and noted that spans for constructing a traffic ramp lay uninstalled on the ground. Project engineers informed him that the delay was due to K-Electric’s (KE) un-relocated overhead installations obstructing further construction. The CM emphasized that since KE had already received payment for the relocation, the delay was unwarranted. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure KE resolves the issue within a week, warning of further action if no progress is made.
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While inspecting other parts of the expressway, the Chief Minister noted unauthorized construction and land encroachments along the roadside. Stopping to address this, he instructed the Deputy Commissioner and SSP Korangi to remove the illegal structures immediately, stating, “I will not allow encroachment on even a single inch of government land.”
The Chief Minister also reviewed progress on several interchanges, toll plazas, and green spaces being developed along the expressway. He instructed officials to complete the first segment from Korangi Causeway to Shah Faisal by the end of November, aiming for a December opening to facilitate traffic flow.
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Shah’s visit continued along the expressway from Shah Faisal to Quaidabad, where he was briefed on issues with land acquisition affecting the Quaidabad interchange. In response, Shah assured that funds for land payments had been released, urging prompt compensation to landowners to enable construction work to proceed.
To enhance the project’s security, Shah directed the police department to draft a plan for setting up police checkposts along the route. Additionally, he instructed that landscaping, including grass and tree planting, be prioritized at interchanges to enhance the expressway’s appearance.
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The Malir Expressway, spanning from Zero Point to Kathore, is a major infrastructure project designed to improve traffic flow and connect key areas of Karachi. With six interchanges, three bridges, and five weigh stations, it is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025. |
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