The Karimabad Underpass project, launched in June 2023 under the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and funded by the Sindh Government, has faced significant delays which frustrates the affected residents.
As per The Express Tribune reports, the project is expected to be completed within two years, only 20 percent of the work has been done so far, falling short of the 50 percent target in 1.5 years.
The recently approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report directed the KDA to address key issues such as traffic management, drainage, waste disposal, utility relocation, community safety, and afforestation, however, locals report no visible action on these concerns.
Aamir Ali, who lives near the construction area, criticized the lack of alternative traffic arrangements and slow progress.
“The development is causing serious problems for the community, dust, and transportation issues have made life miserable,” he said.
Meanwhile, the business has also suffered due to poor planning of the project, as one of the merchant from Meena Bazaar, Karimabad stated that, “Authorities should have completed one track at a time. Instead, simultaneous work on both tracks has created chaos,” he remarked.
Shoppers also voiced their struggles, describing the area as unsafe and congested. “The alternative roads are narrow and poorly maintained. Women face serious challenges navigating the area,” He added.
A traffic police official confirmed that the underpass became a chokepoint.
“The alternate route is narrow and cluttered with encroachments, causing severe bottlenecks,” they said.
While speaking of the project which now costs Rs3.46 billion, Union Council 7 Chairman Zubair Wali noted additional problems such as damaged utility lines, overflowing sewage, and unrepaired manholes, which are being addressed with local funds in the absence of action from KDA.
Environmental concerns have also been raised with Imran Sabir, Director of the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), admitted that KDA has not implemented the EIA’s safety requirements.
“There is no fencing or proper lighting at the construction site,” he stated.
Regional planner Dr. Syed Nawaz Al Hadi criticized both KDA and the Sindh Government for ignoring environmental regulations.
Despite the setbacks, KDA Executive Engineer Junaid Ahmed claimed that 30 percent of the project is complete and assured it will meet its deadline if funding is provided on time.
