A major road infrastructure project in Karachi has finally been partially opened to traffic after facing delays of more than two and a half years. The Karimabad underpass in the city’s Central district has become operational despite several parts of the project still remaining incomplete.
The underpass project was launched by the Karachi Development Authority on December 30, 2022. Officials had initially announced that the project would be completed within one year at an estimated cost of Rs1.35 billion. However, continuous delays pushed the construction timeline far beyond its original deadline.
The prolonged construction work caused major inconvenience for residents, commuters, and businesses in surrounding areas. Traffic congestion, road diversions, and ongoing excavation work affected daily movement for months, leading to growing criticism from the public regarding the pace of development work.
The Karimabad underpass spans around 1.2 kilometers and has now been opened to traffic before full completion. Reports suggest the decision was made due to mounting public pressure and increasing frustration among commuters who had been dealing with traffic disruptions for an extended period.
Although some construction and finishing work is still pending, authorities have completed lighting installations at the site. The operational lighting system has improved visibility and given the underpass a more developed appearance, especially during nighttime traffic movement.
Urban planning observers say the delayed completion of infrastructure projects continues to raise concerns about project management, rising construction costs, and implementation efficiency in major cities. Residents are now hoping that the remaining work on the Karimabad underpass will be completed quickly without causing further inconvenience.
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