Around 140 roads: Construction, rehabilitation within the next two to three days

KARACHI: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Monday announced, under its accelerated development programme, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation will start construction and rehabilitation of around 140 roads across the city within the next two to three days at an estimated cost of Rs13 billion.

During a press conference at the KMC Head Office, the Mayor said the tendering process had been completed and work orders would be issued shortly. He said development projects were underway in all seven districts without discrimination, adding that KMC had planned to spend Rs68 billion to Rs70 billion on development schemes during the current financial year.

He said major infrastructure projects were being executed through KMC’s own resources, including the Rs1 billion Chakor Nala Expressway and a new flyover on Garden Nishtar Road, also costing around Rs1 billion.

The groundbreaking of the Nishtar Road project is planned by November 20, with construction targeted for completion within 100 days.

He said the Chakor Nala project, along with the alternative road through Natha Khan, would ease traffic congestion towards Gulistan-e-Johar. Major construction work had been completed, and the project was expected to open within 30 to 35 days. A nearly nine-kilometre dual-carriageway connecting Gulistan-e-Johar with University Road was also under construction and targeted for completion by January.

Other major road schemes included the rehabilitation of Jahangir Road, S.M. Taufiq Road from Teen Hatti to Sohrab Goth, Gulbai-Shershah Road and Tori Bangash Road. The latter, a five-kilometre link connecting Keamari and West districts, was expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The Mayor also announced that streetlights on 41 major roads would be replaced under a Rupees one billion project, targeted for completion within two to two-and-a-half months.

On water supply, he said construction of the 10-million-gallon-per-day elevated K-III pipeline had been completed to improve supplies to Lyari and prevent water theft. Pipeline testing would be conducted within seven to eight days before its formal inauguration.

Highlighting civic and healthcare initiatives, Wahab said three modern garbage transfer stations were being established at Qayyumabad, Sharafi Goth and Gutter Baghicha, with operations expected to begin by the end of the year.

The mechanisation of Jam Chakro landfill site was also progressing, with the overall sanitation and waste management investment estimated at Rs30 billion.

He said the new block of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, completed after 52 years, would begin outpatient services within the week, offering treatment for cardiac and skin diseases, children with special needs and general medical conditions. A public-sector Breast Reconstruction Centre at Sarfaraz Rafiqui Shaheed Hospital was expected to become operational in December.

Wahab said Spencer Eye Hospital had also been revived under a public-private partnership, providing free cataract surgeries and laser treatment. Around 350 patients were receiving daily OPD services, while 60 to 70 patients benefited from cataract surgeries and related services every week.

He added that the restoration of historic markets and buildings, including Civil Lines Market, Denso Hall, Lea Market, Soldier Bazaar Market and Machhi Miani Market, was targeted for completion by December.

The mayor said development was a collective responsibility of KMC and town administrations, stressing the need for coordination to prevent roads from being dug up again after rehabilitation. He urged utility agencies and relevant institutions to complete their work through mutual consultation and called for action against encroachments obstructing roads and footpaths.

Wahab said development activities had resumed across Karachi after a prolonged period and that KMC would continue working with town administrations to improve roads, public facilities and civic infrastructure.

PPP Parliamentary Leader in the City Council Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, City Council Member Musarrat Niazi and others were also present.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026