Karachi: Addressing concerns over the delayed construction of the Malir Expressway, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has ordered immediate resolution of pending issues, particularly with K-Electric, to fast-track the completion of this critical infrastructure aimed at easing Karachi’s traffic woes.

According to Zameen.Com, during his on-site inspection at the Zero Point near Jam Sadiq Bridge, Shah discovered that the non-relocation of K-Electric’s overhead installations was a significant impediment. Despite payments made for this work, the installations have not been moved, leading to uninstalled spans for a traffic ramp. The Chief Minister has given K-Electric a one-week ultimatum to rectify this, underlining the necessity for rapid action to meet project deadlines.

Further complicating the expressway’s progress are issues like unauthorized constructions and encroachments along the planned route. Shah has directed local authorities to enforce removals, emphasizing that no government land should be compromised. He reiterated the importance of clearing these obstructions to ensure the expressway’s alignment and safety.

The inspection also covered the ongoing development of interchanges, toll plazas, and landscaping projects, with Shah pushing for the first segment’s completion by November end, targeting a December inauguration to alleviate traffic congestion from Korangi Causeway to Shah Faisal. Additionally, the Chief Minister addressed delays at the Quaidabad interchange due to land acquisition disputes, ensuring that compensation funds have been disbursed to continue the construction without further hindrance.

To bolster security along the expressway, Shah has instructed the police to plan for dedicated checkpoints, stressing the importance of safety measures alongside aesthetic enhancements through strategic landscaping.

The Malir Expressway, stretching from Zero Point to Kathore, promises to significantly improve connectivity and traffic management in Karachi with its completion scheduled for the end of 2025. This infrastructure project features six interchanges, three bridges, and five weigh stations, marking a substantial upgrade to the city’s transport network.