Karachi’s much-anticipated Karimabad underpass, originally scheduled for completion in 2024, remains unfinished despite multiple deadlines announced by Mayor Murtaza Wahab from previous year.
Originally planned to open in October 2024, the underpass was expected to ease traffic flow between Azizabad and Musa Colony. However, multiple delays have pushed back the opening, frustrating residents and commuters.
The Karachi administration had promised to open the underpass by the first week of February 2026, but even that deadline has passed.
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On Wednesday, inspection of the site revealed ongoing construction work, particularly on the side walls of the track from Azizabad to Musa Colony.
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Shuttering work is currently underway, and only after the walls are completed will the ceiling, road surface, and final painting be finished.
Due to the construction of Underpass, the roundabout above the underpass and the connecting side roads are also in deteriorated condition, further delaying the project.
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A supervisor at the site explained that due to water supply lines, this underpass will be one of the deepest in Karachi, however, its narrow and low lighting or dark structure has raised concerns about both safety and design.
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The 1.2-kilometer underpass was initiated in 2023 by the caretaker government, with an initial plan to complete it in 10 months.
Delays in construction, caused by issues with water, sewerage, gas, and electricity lines, have resulted in a two-year delays. This has forced authorities to announce five different opening dates, all of which have passed.
The project’s cost has also escalated, with the cost surged to approximately Rs 3.8 billion due to delays.
