For the third consecutive year, the Sindh government has not introduced any new mega development projects for Karachi in its provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. Despite ongoing infrastructure efforts, the Annual Development Programme (ADP) shows no fresh allocations under the “Mega Schemes for Karachi City” category.
However, the government has significantly increased funding for nine ongoing mega projects, earmarking Rs8.288 billion—a sharp rise from last year’s Rs1.389 billion for 11 schemes. Key allocations include:
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- Rs1.89 billion for the Shahrah-e-Bhutto & Korangi Causeway Bridge junction
- Rs1.5 billion for a bridge over Malir River at N-5 (Murghikhana)
- Rs1.3 billion for Korangi Causeway Bridge construction
- Additional funds for Nehr-i-Khayam rehabilitation, storm-water drains, a sports complex at Bakhtiari Youth Centre, Manzoor Colony drain repairs, Sachal Goth road upgrades, and Allama Iqbal Park development
Silence on Major Projects
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s budget speech made no mention of long-stalled initiatives like the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), K-IV Water Supply Scheme, or S-III Sewerage Plan. However, budget documents reveal:
- Rs450 million allocated for S-III
- Rs100 million for K-IV Phase-I (260 MGD)
New Initiatives Announced
Shah highlighted upcoming projects without detailing costs, including:
- Rs12 billion for Karachi Urban Infrastructure Development (specific projects undisclosed)
- A 5 million gallons per day desalination plant to address water shortages, with investor proposals expected in 2025
Transport Upgrades
The government plans to introduce 500 electric buses in Karachi as part of a broader 1,000 e-bus initiative for Sindh. The first 100 electric buses under a rent-to-own model will reportedly begin operations by July. Progress on BRT lines includes:
- Yellow Line nearing completion
- Red Line 50% finished
Local Government Funding
In the outgoing fiscal year, the Sindh government provided Rs148 billion to local councils, including Rs26 billion to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) for operational and developmental expenses.
Despite these allocations, the absence of new mega projects raises concerns about Karachi’s long-term infrastructure development.
