CM okays Korangi Causeway design, elevated structure to save Malir villages

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday presided over a meeting regarding the Shahrah-e-Bhutto (Malir Expressway) project, approved the design of its interchange at Korangi Causeway and authorised the construction of a four-kilometre elevated structure to protect three villages in Malir.

He noted that the starting point for the Korangi Causeway leading to the Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway is located 200 meters before the Jam Sadiq Interchange. To enhance connectivity between DHA and Korangi, it is crucial to construct a permanent interchange or a roundabout at the existing Korangi Causeway. “This will facilitate traffic flow from all directions, including Korangi, DHA, and Sharea Faisal (KPT Interchange),” he said.

The earthwork up to the limit of Shahrah-e-Bhutto is nearing completion. The CM instructed the project director to prepare a PC-I for this proposal and submit it to the Planning & Development for approval within the next three days. He also set a deadline for the completion of the Korangi Causeway Interchange roundabout by December 2025.

The CM was informed that work on the connectivity from Shahrah-e-Bhutto (Jam Sadiq Interchange) had been suspended pending his approval. Following a thorough discussion, he approved the design of the interchange.

Work on the Jam Sadiq Interchange has achieved 58 per cent progress, but has been halted due to the Yellow Line BRT project. The CM directed the Sindh Transport Department to complete their portion of the Yellow Line BRT corridor, which is one kilometre long, by June so that the interchange can become operational.

The CM made a key decision to construct a four-kilometre elevated structure on the Malir Riverbed to prevent the displacement of Samoo Village, Lassi Village, and Old Shafi Village. The design for the elevated structure has been prepared by a consultant.

The 39-kilometer-long Shahrah-e-Bhutto is a high-speed, three-lane access-controlled road equipped with modern facilities. It represents the largest public-private partnership project in Sindh, linking DHA and Korangi to the Hyderabad Motorway (M-9) near Kathore.

Shahrah-e-Bhutto features six dedicated interchanges that facilitate swift access for northbound traffic and various industrial areas of Karachi. The expressway is designed around a tolling mechanism, with provisions for toll plazas and gates at all entry and exit points.

The CM was informed that the work on the EBM Interchange has been completed, while the Quaidabad Interchange is 85 per cent complete. He instructed the relevant project director to finalise it by April 30, allowing it to be opened for traffic.

It was noted that work on the Dumloti Interchange is going on, but progress on the Memon Goth Interchange has slowed due to interventions from Karachi Electric (KE) and local wells. The CM directed the Energy Department and Local Government Department to expedite the relocation of KE and wells.

Shahrah-e-Bhutto is a 38.661-kilometer, three-lane carriageway designed for a vehicular speed of 100 km/hour. It has a 100-meter right of way and features six interchanges, along with two main toll plazas and ten intermediate plazas. The first segment, from Korangi Causeway to Quaidabad, is 95 per cent physically complete, while the overall progress of the project stands at 78 per cent.