Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah and Sindh Minister for Works and Services Ali Hassan Zardari co-chaired a high-level meeting regarding the rehabilitation, widening and beautification of the Malir Halt to Ghaghar Phatak Road, an important 30.5-kilometre corridor serving as one of the main entry routes to Karachi from N-5, Thatta and adjoining regions.
The meeting reviewed the project’s scope, implementation timeline, traffic management requirements, removal of encroachments and the overall transformation of the corridor into a safer, wider and visually improved urban boulevard. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah said that the Malir Halt to Ghaghar Phatak Road is a strategic gateway corridor for traffic entering Karachi from Thatta, National Highway and surrounding areas. He said the road carries significant commuter, commercial and regional traffic and therefore requires comprehensive infrastructure upgradation to improve traffic flow, road safety and operational efficiency.
The Chief Secretary said that the rehabilitation of this corridor is not merely a road improvement project but an opportunity to develop a greener, safer and more organized gateway to Karachi. He said the project should be designed in a people-oriented manner, ensuring proper movement for commuters, public transport users, pedestrians and all road users. Asif Hyder Shah directed the Commissioner Karachi, Secretary Works and Services, DIG Traffic Karachi and Deputy Commissioner Malir to jointly visit the entire stretch of the road and take immediate measures for the removal of encroachments from the corridor. He said that all encroachments along the 30.5-kilometre road must be removed to ensure smooth execution of development work and long-term traffic discipline.
The Chief Secretary further directed the DIG Traffic Karachi to prepare and implement an effective traffic management plan during construction work, especially on working days, so that inconvenience to citizens, daily commuters and people travelling from Thatta to Karachi is minimized. He said alternative traffic arrangements, proper diversions and public information must be ensured during the execution of the project. Sindh Minister for Works and Services Ali Hassan Zardari said that the Sindh Government has decided to widen, rehabilitate and beautify the Malir Halt to Ghaghar Phatak Road as it is one of the main arteries for entering Karachi.
He said the corridor will be developed on modern lines with improved road geometry, proper bus stops, planned U-turns and better facilities for safe and organized traffic movement. The Minister said that due to the present condition of the road, citizens and travellers from Thatta to Karachi are facing traffic congestion and inconvenience. He said the Sindh Government is fully aware of the public difficulties and the project will be completed within three months to provide relief to commuters and improve the overall mobility network of Karachi. Ali Hassan Zardari said that the project will not only improve traffic flow but will also enhance the visual identity of Karachi’s entrance corridor. He added that the Works and Services Department will ensure quality work, timely completion and proper coordination with all concerned departments.
The meeting was informed that the rehabilitation of the Malir Halt to Ghaghar Phatak Road will include widening of the road, removal of bottlenecks, improvement of traffic circulation, development of proper bus stops, organized U-turns, road safety measures and beautification works to give the corridor a modern and clean urban appearance. The Chief Secretary directed all relevant departments to work in close coordination and ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated timeline while maintaining quality standards and minimizing public inconvenience. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, Secretary Works and Services Muhammad Nawaz Soho, DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah, Deputy Commissioner Malir, Deputy Commissioner Korangi and other relevant officers.