Mayor Launches Rs2bn Infrastructure Project in Korangi Industrial Area

KARACHI (Staff Report): Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has inaugurated infrastructure rehabilitation works worth Rs2 billion in Korangi Industrial Area, announcing a series of development projects aimed at improving industrial infrastructure, road connectivity and transport facilities across the city.

Speaking at a ceremony organized by the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) on Tuesday, Wahab described industrial zones and business activities as vital to Pakistan’s economy. He said the Korangi Industrial Area was a key centre of economic activity and that improvements to its infrastructure would become visible in the coming months.

KATI President Muhammad Rehan, Zubair Chhaya, Zahid Saeed and other industrialists attended the event.

The mayor said Rs68 billion was being allocated for infrastructure development across Karachi, with 139 new roads planned in different areas. He added that collaboration between the government and private sector was being encouraged to expedite development work and improve commuting facilities.

Wahab said tenders for several schemes had been completed, while procurement processes for other projects were expected to conclude within three to four days. Work on these schemes was scheduled to begin in the first week of November, with some road projects expected to be completed within three to four months.

Highlighting ongoing infrastructure initiatives, the mayor cited the expansion of Jam Sadiq Bridge to eight lanes and the construction of Korangi Causeway Bridge, saying the projects had improved connectivity for industrialists, workers, students and other commuters. Rehabilitation of Baloch Colony Expressway and other major roads was also part of the city’s development programme.

He said construction of a loop connecting Shahrah-e-Bhutto with Ayesha Mosque was progressing rapidly and was expected to be completed within two and a half to three months. The project would provide motorists with a signal-free route.

The mayor added that work on the link road connecting the National Highway with the Super Highway was nearing completion. Completion of the M-9 interchange would further improve access to industrial zones and strengthen transportation and logistics networks.

Wahab also announced plans to expand the bridge near Quaidabad to eight lanes. He said encroachments obstructing the project had been removed and funds were available to accelerate construction. The expansion was expected to ease traffic congestion within two to two and a half months.

Responding to industrialists’ concerns over the Yellow Line and Red Line projects, the mayor said he would coordinate with the relevant ministers and departments to minimize disruption during construction. He added that the projects would be executed in phases to reduce road excavation and traffic congestion.

On security along Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Wahab said he would approach the Sindh home minister regarding police patrolling, surveillance and the installation of security cameras. He would also consult traffic police over traffic violations and dangerous overtakings.

Regarding land-use issues in Korangi Industrial Area and Mehran Town, the mayor said consultations would be held with relevant institutions, particularly the Karachi Development Authority. Any changes in land use would be considered under applicable regulations, the master plan and prescribed charges. He added that efforts would be made to utilise the resulting revenue for local infrastructure improvements.

Wahab also announced measures to modernise the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s firefighting system. The tendering process had begun for the procurement of modern fire engines, snorkels and drones.

In view of Karachi’s water shortage, the KMC was exploring the use of borewell water for firefighting. The mayor said a decision had also been taken to restore damaged or non-operational fire engines, while another 20 fire engines were targeted to be brought into service within three months.

He said the KMC’s financial position was improving, creating opportunities to strengthen municipal services and emergency response capabilities.

The mayor reiterated that continued coordination with government departments and consultation with industrialists would remain central to resolving Karachi’s infrastructure challenges and accelerating development across the city.