Shahrah-e-Bhutto to Open Before Eid ul Adha, CM Calls It ‘Gift’ for Karachi

KARACHI: Murad Ali Shah on Sunday announced that the much-awaited Shahrah-e-Bhutto will be opened for traffic before Eid ul Adha, calling it an “Eid gift for the people of Karachi”.

The announcement came after the chief minister reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects across the city, where he emphasised that the road would play a vital role in easing congestion and improving urban mobility.

“Shahrah-e-Bhutto will significantly reduce traffic pressure within the city and improve connectivity between the M-9 and N-5 highways,” he said, adding that heavy traffic would be diverted outside the city, providing much-needed relief to residents.

Describing the project as more than just a roadway, the chief minister said it would serve as a “lifeline” for Karachi’s economy by enhancing logistics and connectivity.

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During his visit to the under-construction Azeempura flyover at Shah Faisal Colony, he directed Murtaza Wahab to ensure completion within 90 days. The flyover is part of the broader Shahrah-e-Bhutto corridor, designed to provide signal-free access to Jinnah Terminal and surrounding areas.

The chief minister also instructed authorities to speed up work on the Karachi BRT Red Line, directing that mixed-traffic lanes along the corridor be completed within two months.

“The Red Line and Shahrah-e-Bhutto are critical corridors for the city, and there will be no unnecessary delays or compromise on quality,” he said.

Separately, Sharjeel Inam Memon defended delays in the BRT Red Line project, stating that challenges in execution were due to complex urban infrastructure rather than negligence.

He said work had gained momentum after assigning responsibilities to the Frontier Works Organisation, adding that previous contractors had failed to meet expectations despite warnings and cleared payments.

Acknowledging public inconvenience, the minister said authorities were working to reopen mixed-traffic lanes by the end of July to ease congestion, noting that infrastructure development in densely populated cities like Karachi involves managing utilities such as gas, electricity, and water without major disruptions.

Officials expressed confidence that once completed, these projects will significantly improve traffic flow and urban connectivity in the country’s largest city.