Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Chairman – Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inaugurated the newly completed Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway in Karachi, calling it a transformative project aimed at improving urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and strengthening the city’s transport infrastructure.
The inauguration ceremony of the Sindh government’s flagship infrastructure project was held at Kathore Interchange near the M-9 Motorway. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, accompanied by Syed Murad Ali Shah, formally opened the expressway for traffic.
Before the ceremony, Bilawal personally drove on the newly completed corridor during its inaugural journey and also paid the toll tax while travelling on the route.
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The Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway stretches approximately 39 kilometres from Jam Sadiq Bridge to Kathore Bridge and has been developed as a six-lane controlled-access corridor with a speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour.
The project includes six interchanges, two toll plazas, five weigh stations, and an underpass, completed at a total cost of Rs54.814 billion.
Addressing the ceremony, Bilawal said the completion of Shahrah-e-Bhutto reflected the Pakistan Peoples Party’s commitment to long-term urban development and modern infrastructure.
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“Karachi is the economic engine of Pakistan, and its future depends on modern connectivity, efficient transport systems and sustainable infrastructure,” he said.
He added that the expressway would significantly reduce travel time between central Karachi and the M-9 Motorway while easing pressure on existing roads.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah termed the expressway one of the most significant infrastructure projects undertaken by the Sindh government in recent years.
“We promised the people of Karachi modern infrastructure, and today we are fulfilling that commitment,” Murad Shah said, adding that the project would improve mobility, reduce fuel consumption, and provide safer and faster travel facilities for citizens.
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According to officials, Shahrah-e-Bhutto was launched in May 2022 and is expected to handle more than 23,800 vehicles daily.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab described the expressway as a reflection of the PPP’s commitment to Karachi’s development, while businessman Arif Habib termed the project a “game-changer” for economic connectivity and transport infrastructure.
Provincial ministers, government officials, engineers, contractors, and business leaders attended the inauguration ceremony.
