CM says project marks a key step in modernising city’s road network, improving travel efficiency
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inagurates Azeempura Flyover on Sunday. PHOTO: NNI
KARACHI:
The Sindh government on Sunday opened the Azeempura Flyover to traffic, with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah saying the Rs1.56 billion project was completed in a record 90-day period, 10 days ahead of schedule. The flyover is intended to ease congestion and improve connectivity between several key transport corridors in the city.
The chief minister formally opened the flyover for traffic and praised the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) for completing the project ahead of schedule. Construction on the project began on March 8, 2026, and was completed on June 8, ten days ahead of the 100-day target.
Addressing the ceremony, Murad Ali Shah said, “this corridor serves one of Karachi’s busiest traffic junctions. The project will ease traffic pressure and provide direct connectivity from Shahrah-e-Bhutto to Shah Faisal, Sharae Faisal and Jinnah International Airport.”
He noted that Karachi, as Pakistan’s economic hub, requires a modern and efficient transport network to support economic growth, urban development and public convenience. He commended Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Mayor Murtaza Wahab and KMC’s engineering teams for delivering the project within the stipulated timeframe.
“Completing a project of this scale in just 90 days reflects the commitment and capability of our municipal institutions. The people of Karachi deserve modern infrastructure, and we will continue investing in projects that improve their quality of life,” he said.
Funded by the Sindh Local Government Department and executed by KMC, the project includes a 700-metre dual carriageway flyover, a 1,255-metre dual carriageway main carriageway and additional at-grade roads connecting Azeempura Road, Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Shah Faisal and Thandi Sarak.
The scheme also involved the rehabilitation of approximately 2,075 metres of drainage infrastructure, construction of 850 metres of footpaths, installation of centre median barriers, redesigning of the Azeempura roundabout and the development of a comprehensive street-lighting system comprising 93 poles and 157 modern lights.
Speaking to journalists after the inauguration, Murad Ali Shah said the govt had accelerated infrastructure development across Karachi and other parts of the province. He highlighted several projects inaugurated over the past four to six months, including Shahrah-e-Bhutto, the Korangi Causeway Bridge, the Bhains Colony Bridge and the Meena Bazaar project.
Taking a swipe at political opponents, the chief minister said Karachi had once been handed over to a party “known only for fighting,” adding that its leaders were now occupied with internal disputes.
He also revealed that President Asif Ali Zardari had called him earlier in the day to inquire about the inauguration of the Azeempura Flyover, saying that the PPP leadership remained committed to Karachi’s development and prosperity.
Referring to past federal announcements, Shah criticised former Prime Minister Imran Khan for unveiling development packages worth billions of rupees for Karachi without allocating the necessary funds for their execution.