Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the local government department to expedite the Malir Expressway project, aiming to open its first phase to the public by the second week of August, as reported on July 11.
As per details, CM also instructed the water board to commence the Rehabilitation of the Hub Canal project on August 1, with a goal of completion within a year. During a meeting attended by key officials, including Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani, Mayor of Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and others, the progress of major development projects in Karachi was reviewed. The Chief Minister was briefed that the first segment of the Malir Expressway, spanning from Jam Sadiq to Shah Faisal (1 to 15 km), is 77% complete. The second segment, from Shah Faisal to Kathore (15 to 38 km), is 29% complete. Saeed Ghani reported that the Jam Sadiq Bridge connectivity progress stands at 13%, while the EBM Interchange, Pir Bukhari Nullah Bridge, Chakora Nullah Bridge, and Shah Faisal Interchange have reached 96%, 99%, 99%, and 90% completion respectively. However, Quaidabad connectivity remains at 8%. The 38.681 km Malir Expressway, which began construction on May 12, 2022, is expected to be completed by June 2025. It will feature six lanes (three in each direction), six interchanges, and two toll plazas. The Chief Minister directed that work on Segment-I be expedited, with a public opening set for August 14.
The Chief Minister announced the commencement of the Rs12.73 billion Rehabilitation of the Hub Canal project. This project includes rehabilitating the existing canal, constructing a new 100 MGD canal, and upgrading the existing infrastructure. The rehabilitation is expected to increase water supply by 30-35% for Karachi’s West, Central, and Keamari districts. The new canal is projected to provide these districts with 200 MGDs of water. Murad Ali Shah emphasised that the project will be funded by provincial government resources and insisted that no delays will be tolerated. Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab confirmed that the project is on track, with consultants hired and contracts awarded. Construction is scheduled to begin on August 1, with Shah planning a personal inspection of the progress in mid-August.
