In a major relief for Karachi’s commuters, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced that the Shahrah-e-Bhutto (Bhutto Highway) will be opened for traffic up to the Quaidabad Interchange immediately after Eid. The announcement came during a high-level meeting held to review the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects in the city.
Key Officials Present at the Meeting
The progress review meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and attended by notable figures including:
- Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon
- Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab
- Special Assistant to CM Qasim Naveed
- Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah
- Other senior officials and representatives from the infrastructure and transport departments.
Shahrah-e-Bhutto Nearing Completion
During the meeting, the chief minister was informed that the Shahrah-e-Bhutto project from Shah Faisal Colony to Quaidabad Interchange is nearly complete, with only minor finishing touches remaining. CM Murad Ali Shah emphasized that traffic must be allowed on this stretch immediately following the Eid holidays to help ease congestion in the city.
This section of Shahrah-e-Bhutto is a crucial urban corridor that links the eastern and southern parts of Karachi and serves thousands of vehicles daily.
Progress on Other Sections of the Highway
The CM was also updated on various other segments of the highway and adjoining infrastructure:
- Jam Sadiq Bridge Entry Point to Shahrah Bhutto:
50% of the construction work has been completed here. The remaining portion is pending until the completion of the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure, which runs along a shared corridor. - EBM Interchange:
Authorities reported that the EBM Interchange is now 100% completed, making it ready for immediate use and integration into the broader traffic system. - Quaidabad Interchange – South Portion:
Construction work on this segment is 98% complete, and it is expected to be fully functional in the coming days. This will allow for smooth traffic flow from the newly opened section of Shahrah-e-Bhutto into adjoining industrial and residential areas.
Update on Samu Goth Elevated Expressway
Another significant project under review was the Samu Goth Elevated Structure, which forms part of the broader expressway network aimed at decongesting traffic in the suburban areas of Karachi.
- Officials informed the chief minister that of the 1,380 precast concrete grids, 520 have been installed, with 860 still pending installation.
- The 4-kilometer elevated expressway has reached 44.4% completion, with steady progress being made despite logistical and weather-related challenges.
CM’s Commitment to Urban Infrastructure
Murad Ali Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to improving Karachi’s road infrastructure and public transport systems. He directed the relevant departments to ensure that deadlines are strictly adhered to, especially for projects affecting daily commuter routes.
The people of Karachi have waited long enough. We must ensure Shahrah-e-Bhutto is fully operational and safe for public use immediately after Eid,said the Chief Minister.
He also asked for strict monitoring of ongoing projects, especially those that are interconnected with BRT lines, utility shifting, and elevated road segments.
Broader Impact of the Projects
Once completed, the Shahrah-e-Bhutto corridor is expected to:
- Significantly reduce traffic congestion in central and eastern Karachi
- Provide better connectivity between residential hubs and industrial areas
- Support the Yellow Line BRT operations, enhancing mass transit options
- Improve road safety and reduce travel times for daily commuters
Public Expectations
Residents and commuters in Karachi, particularly those in Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, Quaidabad, and surrounding areas, have welcomed the announcement. The opening of this critical stretch of road will help ease bottlenecks, especially during peak hours and upcoming Eid festivities.
However, citizens are also urging the provincial government to ensure that quality is not compromised and that proper signage, street lighting, and pedestrian safety measures are in place before the road is opened.
The planned post-Eid reopening of Shahrah-e-Bhutto up to Quaidabad Interchange marks a key milestone in Karachi’s urban development agenda. With most of the project already nearing completion and complementary infrastructure like the EBM and Quaidabad Interchanges ready, Karachiites can look forward to a smoother, faster, and more efficient commute in the near future.
