KARACHI: Commissioner Hassan Naqvi conducted a site visit on Tuesday night to assess the progress of the Kareemabad Underpass project. He was briefed that, once K-Electric lines are successfully relocated, the remaining work can be wrapped up within a month.
During his inspection, Commissioner Naqvi was informed that approximately 85% of the construction has already been completed. The key obstacle delaying the project’s finalization is the relocation of K-Electric’s electrical lines, which, once moved, will allow the contractors to complete the remaining tasks within 30 days.
To expedite this process, Naqvi has scheduled a meeting with K-Electric officials for Wednesday to address and resolve the issues hindering the utility’s disconnection from the site. Additionally, he directed the Deputy Commissioner of Central Karachi to oversee the efforts and ensure that all procedural and logistical hurdles are swiftly cleared.
The Commissioner emphasized the urgency, stating, “All barriers preventing the completion of the project must be removed so that the underpass can be opened to ease traffic congestion and boost local business activity.”
This inspection follows a visit last month by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who emphasized the importance of fast-tracking the project. The CM instructed the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) to accelerate work and warned that any further delays would not be tolerated.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 3.810 billion, is viewed as critical for improving traffic flow in the area. CM Shah reiterated that facilitating smooth transportation and providing essential facilities remain top priorities for the provincial government.
However, the project has faced criticism due to delays, with business activities in the vicinity coming to a halt. Earlier this year, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab set a deadline of September for completion, but the deadline was missed, and the project remains under construction.
