Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah is scheduled to inaugurate the initial segment of the much-awaited Malir Expressway (MEW) on January 11. This high-speed, state-of-the-art corridor aims to enhance Karachi’s connectivity and ease traffic congestion.
The first completed stretch spans 9.1 kilometers, connecting Korangi Causeway to Shah Faisal. This milestone marks a significant step in the city’s infrastructure development, offering improved travel efficiency for commuters.
The decision to inaugurate was finalized during a high-level review meeting chaired by CM Murad Ali Shah at the New Secretariat. Key attendees included Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, PSCM Agha Wasif, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Additional IG Karachi Javed Odho, Local Government Secretary Khalid Hyder Shah, Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, and Project Director Malir Expressway Niaz Soomro.
The Malir Expressway, spanning approximately 40 kilometers, is Sindh’s largest Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative. Featuring a three-lane dual carriageway with modern, access-controlled infrastructure, it links Korangi Creek Avenue in DHA to the M-9 Motorway (Superhighway) near Kathore. This route is expected to significantly cut travel times while providing a critical connection for residents and businesses.
Dedicated interchanges along the expressway will ensure smooth access to major residential and commercial areas. The first phase includes a ramp to facilitate traffic flow and a flyover connecting Korangi, which is expected to be operational within two months.
Ongoing construction projects include the Jam Sadiq Interchange and the rehabilitation of roads at the EBM and Shah Faisal Interchanges. Encroachments at the Quaidabad Interchange have been cleared, and additional enhancements are underway to improve connectivity. A toll plaza will regulate traffic, with fees set at Rs100 for cars and jeeps and Rs200 for heavy vehicles. Security measures will include patrols by traffic police, fire brigades, and Rescue 1122 ambulances.
To maintain order, the CM instructed law enforcement agencies to deploy district and traffic police at key entry and exit points, including Jam Sadiq, EBM, and Shah Faisal Interchanges. Continuous patrolling by traffic police on both sides of the expressway has also been mandated.
The stretch from the Shah Faisal Interchange to the Shah Faisal Colony Bridge has been declared a no-parking zone. Only commercial vehicles, cars, jeeps, and buses will be allowed on the expressway, while motorcycles and rickshaws are prohibited.
Once fully operational, the Malir Expressway is expected to revolutionize Karachi’s transportation network. By providing faster access to residential developments and business hubs, it is anticipated to alleviate congestion and stimulate economic growth across the city.
