In This Post
Jail Chowrangi Intersection (Starting Point)
Hassan Square Intersection
NIPA Chowrangi
Abul Hasan Ispahani Rd. Intersection
Malir to Super Hwy Rd. Intersection
Defence Square Roundabout (Ending Point)
Named after the University of Karachi—the biggest educational establishment in the country with an area of 5 square kilometres—University Road serves as a very important road link for commuters in Pakistan’s largest city. With a total length of over 6 kilometres, it is also one of the longest roads in Karachi, which connects many famous localities, expressways, and landmarks in the metropolitan area.
Keeping in view the navigational significance of this immensely popular road link, we have put together a complete route guide on University Road, Karachi. This post details all of its key intersections, entry/exit points, and infrastructure developments that make it a signal-free corridor.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Jail Chowrangi Flyover Intersection (Starting Point)
The intersection of Jail Chowrangi Flyover marks the beginning of the University Road, right in the city centre. Traffic from Shaheed-e-Millat Expressway and PIB Colony can use Jail Chowrangi Flyover to get onto University Road. Likewise, for traffic coming from the other side, the expressway splits into three different routes at this intersection including Shaheed-i-Millat Road, Kashmir Road and New M.A Jinnah Road.
From this point, if you travel a bit further on the University Road, you can also take a u-turn for the National Stadium Road, which takes you to the Aga Khan University and Hospital, and Alamgir Road, which leads you to Bahardurabad Chowrangi.
Quick Fact: The vicinity of Jail Chowrangi has been named after Central Jail Karachi. It is the city’s largest prison that can house thousands of prisoners.
Stadium Road Flyover Intersection (aka Hassan Square Intersection)
As you cross Askari Park and other key landmarks on University Road, the intersection of Stadium Road flyover greets you. It is another major entry/exit point on the route. Coming from Jail Chowrangi Flyover, you can take a left turn from here to get to the area of Liaquatabad.
Similarly, if you are headed from the opposite direction, if you take a left turn near the Expo Centre, you’ll get onto the Stadium Road, which will further lead you to Karsaz Road and areas like Gulshan-e-Jamal. Landmarks like National Stadium, SSGC Head Office, and Civic Centre are also found in the immediate vicinity of Stadium Road Flyover
Quick Fact: Stadium Road Flyover Intersection is also popularly known as the Hassan Square Intersection. It has been named after “Hassan Square Apartments”, a highly famous, age-old apartment complex located right next to the crossroads.
From this point, all the way to NIPA Chowrangi, you pass through the heart of the neighbourhood of Gulshan-e-Iqbal. Famous eateries like Bolan Sajji House, Usmania Restaurant and Student Biryani can be spotted along the route. These restaurants are located in the service lane of University Road, which has an opening near every street to allow traffic to move conveniently.
If you want to go back to the Jail Chowrangi Flyover, you can also take a u-turn located a few minutes’ drive away from the intersection. Educational institutions like Sir Syed University and Federal Urdu University are also located on this section of the road.
NIPA Chowrangi (Rashid Minhas Road Intersection)
This is the most important crossroads on the entire route of University Road. All key bus routes leading you to different localities in the city are linked from here. This is why NIPA Chowrangi is considered a very important landmark in terms of public transport in Karachi. Taking a left turn from here will lead you to Gulshan Chowrangi and then Federal B. Area.
Similarly, if you are travelling on the opposite side of the road, you can get onto the Rashid Minhas Road by taking a left turn. It will take you to the most central commercial district of Gulistan-e-Jauhar, where facilities and landmarks like Darul-Sehat Hospital, Millenium Mall and Nueplex Cinemas are located. The NIPA Flyover runs overhead this intersection, which ensures smoother traffic flow on both roads.
Before Safari Park, you’ll come across another bridge. It allows traffic to take u-turns from either side of the road. The bridge has been located a short stroll from the Gulshan branch of Metro Cash & Carry Supermarket and Safari Park.
Note: Petrol pumps and CNG Stations are available on both sides of the entire route of University Road Karachi. All of these refueling stations have been constructed a few kilometres apart from each other for the convenience of travellers.
Abul Hasan Ispahani Road Intersection
If you want to head over to Gulzar-i-Hijri and other key areas of neighbourhoods like Scheme 33 and Gulshan-e-Iqbal, you can use the Abul Hasan Ispahani Road intersection. It will also take you to the Maskan Gate of the University of Karachi near Maskan Chowrangi.
The area is also very popular for hosting outlets of some of the city’s most famous eateries including Bon Bistro, Bovi Chic, Ginsoy Extreme Chinese Restaurant, Pie in the Sky, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Gulshan’s very famous Disco Bakery is also found in the vicinity.
Two of the most famous educational establishments of the city: NED University and the University of Karachi are also just a short distance away from this intersection. An overhead bridge has also been installed in the area to facilitate people visiting these universities.
Malir to Super Highway Link Road Intersection
Once you cross the aforementioned educational institutions, the next famous landmark on the route of University Road, Karachi, is Mosamiat Bus Stop, which is near the entry/exit point of Suparco Road. Kiran Hospital Road also connects with the University Road at Safoora Chowrangi. University Road then intersects with Malir to Super Highway Link Road.
Defence Square Roundabout (Ending Point)
Just a few metres after this crossing, the dual-way expressway converts into a small road, which finally ends at Defence Square Roundabout. From this point, Malir Cantt Road takes over and connects you to the other popular localities in the suburbs of the city.
Quick Fact: Development work on Red Line BRT Karachi is also expected to begin soon on the University Road. KMC has planned tree plantation on a large-scale for this mass transit project. The park and horticulture department will select different avenues on University Road for the establishment of greenbelts.
This brings us to the end of our ultimate route guide on University Road. We hope the information provided in this post will help you to easily navigate through this very important expressway in Karachi to reach your destination.
Commuter’s Tip: If you have a smartphone and a mobile internet connection, we recommend that you always use Google Maps to get live traffic information and plan your trip accordingly. It would help you avoid traffic jams and could save your time, fuel and energy.
For your feedback and suggestions, feel free to get in touch with us at blog@zameen.com. We’d be happy to hear from you and try to respond to your emails as soon as possible.
On a side note, we have also written a comprehensive route guide on Shahrah-e-Faisal. Connecting Jinnah International Airport with other parts of the city, this signal-free corridor is probably the longest and most well-constructed road link in Karachi.
If you want to read more informative lifestyle posts and property guides, keep following Zameen Blog, the No.1 lifestyle and real estate blog in Pakistan. You can also subscribe to our email newsletter to get all our latest updates.
