Rs1.56bn Azeempura Flyover inaugurated to ease access to Karachi airport, Shahrah-e-Bhutto

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed Azeempura Flyover, an important urban infrastructure project designed to improve traffic flow between Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Shah Faisal Colony, Shahrah-e-Faisal and Jinnah International Airport Karachi.

Accompanied by Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Shah, Speaker of the Sindh Assembly Awais Qadir Shah, and Mayor of Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, the chief minister formally opened the flyover to traffic, praising the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) for completing the project within a record period of 90 days against a target of 100 days.

It may be noted that the project, which started on March 8 was completed on June 8 and was officially inaugurated on June 14.

The project, undertaken by the KMC with funding from the Local Government Department, Government of Sindh, has been completed for Rs1.562 billion and includes construction of the flyover, widening and rehabilitation of roads, drainage improvements, electrification works, footpaths, median barriers and a redesigned roundabout at the busy Azeempura intersection.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, CM Murad said the project would significantly improve mobility for thousands of commuters travelling daily between Korangi, Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, Shahrah-e-Bhutto and the Karachi airport.

“The Azeempura Flyover is another important step towards modernising Karachi’s road infrastructure and providing citizens with safer, faster and more efficient transportation facilities,” the chief minister said.

He said the newly opened corridor would ease traffic congestion at one of the city’s busiest intersections while providing direct connectivity from Shahrah-e-Bhutto to Shah Faisal and onward to Shahrah-e-Faisal and Jinnah International Airport.

“Karachi is the economic engine of Pakistan, and improving its transportation network is essential for economic growth, public convenience and urban development,” he said.

The chief minister commended the local government minister, Mayor Murtaza and the KMC engineering team for completing the project within the stipulated timeframe. “Completing a project of this scale in just 90 days reflects the commitment and capability of our local government institutions. The people of Karachi deserve modern infrastructure, and we will continue investing in projects that improve their quality of life,” he added.

According to project details, the scheme includes a 700-metre dual-track flyover, 1,255 metres of dual-track main carriageway and additional at-grade roads connecting Azeempura Road, Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Shah Faisal and Thandi Sarak.

The project also features about 2,075 metres of drain rehabilitation works, 850 metres of footpaths, a newly developed roundabout, centre median barriers and a comprehensive street-lighting system comprising 93 poles and 157 modern light fixtures.

Minister Nasir said the project was initiated to address severe traffic congestion, deteriorating road conditions and inadequate drainage infrastructure in the area. The completed scheme is expected to improve traffic management, reduce travel times and facilitate smoother access for residents, businesses and airport-bound commuters.

Karachi mayor said the project reflects the city administration’s commitment to delivering visible improvements in urban infrastructure and public services.

The Sindh CM, while talking to the media at the inauguration of the Azeempura Bridge, said that the Sindh Government has accelerated infrastructure development across Karachi and other parts of the province.

The chief minister said that during the last four to six months, the government had inaugurated several major development projects, including Shahrah-e-Bhutto, the Korangi Causeway Bridge, the Bhains Colony Bridge, the Mina Bazaar project and others.

Criticizing political opponents, Murad said that Karachi had once been handed over to a party that only knew how to fight, and today its leaders are busy fighting among themselves.

Murad said the Sindh government required Rs64 billion from the federal government for various development projects in the province, and these allocations have now been included in the federal budget.

Talking about water issues, he said that while all other rivers had adequate water flows, the Indus River was facing shortages, which raised serious concerns about where the water was going. He added that he had written a letter to the Prime Minister on the matter and that the issue was now moving toward resolution.

The Chief Minister welcomed the allocation of Rs30 billion by the federal government for the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway project.

However, he expressed concern that the federal government had not allocated the required funds to enable WAPDA to complete the K-IV project during the current fiscal year. He said the Sindh Government is therefore undertaking K-IV augmentation projects through its own resources and with the support of donor agencies.

Responding to criticism of Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Murad Ali Shah said those criticizing the project should first resolve their own internal disputes.

He further said that several pedestrian bridges had already been constructed and more would be built to facilitate citizens and improve road safety.