The Sindh government has officially inaugurated a 9.1-kilometer section of the much-anticipated Malir Expressway, a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving Karachi's traffic congestion. This 39-kilometre project, expected to be completed by 2025, will provide a direct link between key industrial zones and the city's road network, alleviating the pressure on existing roads. The opening ceremony took place in the presence of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), alongside Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and other senior PPP officials, according to Express News.
The Malir Expressway has been named the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Expressway in tribute to the late PPP leader and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The expressway, once fully operational, is set to play a crucial role in easing Karachi’s traffic congestion, providing faster, more efficient travel for residents and commuters. The project will also enhance connectivity to Karachi’s industrial zones and the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-9), which will be linked near Kathore.
In his speech, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the Malir Expressway project is the largest public-private partnership infrastructure project in Sindh and the country. The total cost of the project is approximately 55 billion rupees, with the Sindh government contributing around 32 billion rupees. The remaining 23 billion rupees are being funded through a collaboration of commercial banks, development finance institutions, and private partners.
Once the 39-kilometre stretch is completed, it will connect Korangi Creek Avenue to the Malir River. The expressway will serve as a vital alternative route to Shahrah-e-Faisal, reducing traffic on one of Karachi’s most congested roads. This will have a significant impact on Karachi's transportation system, making it easier to travel between industrial areas, commercial zones, and residential sectors.
The Sindh government has long been committed to improving Karachi's infrastructure, and this expressway is a critical step in the right direction. Murad Ali Shah also noted that once operational by 2025, the expressway will not only improve transportation but will also boost economic activity in Karachi, leading to greater connectivity for industries, businesses, and residents alike.
The Malir Expressway is expected to reduce travel time for commuters, improve logistical operations, and foster economic growth by providing better access to key industrial zones. This project highlights the ongoing efforts by the Sindh government to modernize Karachi's road network, ease traffic congestion, and improve overall urban mobility.
