University Road, Safoora corridor to open by March, says Memon

KARACHI:

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Wednesday that Karachi’s University Road and Safoora corridor were expected to reopen for traffic by March as construction on the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project continues round the clock.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Red Line BRT corridor at Nipa Chowrangi, Memon said the project “has entered a visible phase of progress and now features a modern, state-of-the-art roadway”, marking a significant improvement in Karachi’s transport infrastructure.

He said the Sindh government’s priority was to deliver high-quality development projects for Karachi, which he described as Pakistan’s economic hub. He added that major infrastructure initiatives were aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving travel facilities for residents.

Memon said the Bhutto Highway was one of Karachi’s most important projects and served as a gateway for the city. “Two phases of the highway have been completed, and the remaining phase will soon be finished,” he said. He also cited the opening of the Taj Haider Bridge and construction of the Malir Bridge for residents of Korangi.

He praised Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab for working to improve roads across the city, saying the work was being carried out “for public convenience”. He acknowledged that construction activity, particularly along Jinnah Avenue, had caused difficulties for commuters, but said authorities were working to minimise disruption.

Memon said inflation had sharply increased the prices of steel, cement and other construction materials, leading to disputes with contractors. “Despite these challenges, the Sindh government, under the chief minister’s guidance, is fully committed to completing the Asian Development Bank-backed Red Line BRT project,” he said.

Read: Korangi Causeway opened

He said strict negotiations were held with contractors to protect public funds, adding that only legitimate demands were approved after the cabinet and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s approval. Work on the project resumed about a month ago and construction would continue day and night, he added.

Memon said he would conduct surprise inspections to assess the pace and quality of work and ensure accountability where delays or negligence were found. He noted that while large projects such as the Red Line and Yellow Line BRTs caused temporary inconvenience, “these hardships are temporary, and once completed, the projects will benefit both current residents and future generations”.

Turning to the Gul Plaza fire incident, Memon said preliminary information suggested children may have been left unattended at the site, possibly while parents briefly stepped out. He stressed that these were initial findings and that he had not yet reviewed the final investigation report.

Read more: Karachi’s Taj Haider Bridge opens for public

He said the matter was sensitive and it was too early to draw conclusions. Once the final report was completed, a formal meeting would be held, and findings would be shared publicly based on evidence, including available video footage, Memon added.

“Anyone found responsible for the incident will be held accountable under the law,” he added, emphasising that no individual or institution would be blamed without proof.

On the possibility of a judicial commission, he said the Sindh government would establish one “if a committee formed under the chief minister concludes it is necessary”.

He rejected calls to place Karachi under federal control or roll back the 18th Amendment, calling such demands unrealistic, and urged political parties to adopt a responsible approach to public issues.