Karachi Transformation Plan Approved with FWO Partnership
Karachi urban landscape is poised for a significant overhaul as Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has officially sanctioned the Karachi Transformation Plan. This ambitious initiative aims to forge a robust partnership with the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to usher in “world-class development” for Pakistan’s largest metropolis. The plan represents a substantial commitment to addressing the city’s multifaceted challenges and enhancing its livability.
The chief minister presided over a crucial meeting involving the FWO, the provincial local government department, and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). Discussions focused on large-scale infrastructure projects and critical connectivity improvements designed to address the city’s pressing needs. This collaborative approach underscores a shared vision for Karachi’s future.
Addressing Traffic Congestion with Mega Projects
A core component of the Karachi Transformation Plan includes the immediate execution of six high-priority infrastructure projects. These projects, collectively valued at Rs10.72 billion, are specifically designed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion and improve urban mobility. The Sindh government, recognizing the severity of the traffic issues, has allocated significant resources to these interventions.
Among the key projects greenlit for implementation are:
- Rehabilitation of the road from M-9 Motorway to Malir-15 via Jinnah Avenue and Sharea Faisal, costing Rs1.025 billion.
- Construction of a right-turn underpass at Malir Halt, from Printing Press to Sharea Faisal, requiring an investment of Rs1.5 billion.
- A flyover from Airport Road to Star Gate on Sharea Faisal, designed to enhance airport access at a cost of Rs1.2 billion.
- Rehabilitation of the road from Y-Junction to Machli Chowk in Hawkesbay, including a crucial section near Masroor Base, valued at Rs1.995 billion.
- A substantial flyover at Sohrab Goth, the city’s major gateway for intercity traffic, with an allocated budget of Rs5 billion.
A Comprehensive Vision for Karachi Development
Beyond the immediate traffic solutions, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a comprehensive development blueprint for Karachi. This includes a one-time grant-in-aid amounting to Rs84.796 billion, earmarked for 523 diverse schemes across the city. The Sindh government is also set to benefit from Rs26.282 billion under the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for Karachi-related schemes.
“I want to initiate development projects in partnership with FWO to ensure quality, speed and transparency,” stated Chief Minister Shah. He emphasized that all significant projects under the Karachi Transformation Plan must embody world-class planning and design. This collaborative effort, as reported by SindhNews.com, aims to elevate Karachi’s infrastructure to international standards.
Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab highlighted the city’s persistent structural, environmental, and civic challenges. The proposed portfolio of 523 schemes, totaling Rs84.796 billion, addresses these issues comprehensively. This includes road reconstruction, traffic management system upgrades, and improvements to civic amenities and urban aesthetics.
The outcome of this extensive planning and allocation is expected to be a revitalized Karachi. The partnership with FWO, coupled with substantial financial commitments, signals a determined effort to transform the metropolis into a more functional, connected, and aesthetically pleasing urban environment. The swift commencement of work, targeted for March following design finalization by February, indicates a proactive approach to development.