Munawar Chowrangi Underpass Opened Despite Design Flaw Concerns, Service Roads Still Under Construction

KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab and Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah have announced that the Munawar Chowrangi Underpass has been temporarily opened for public traffic to facilitate the ongoing construction of adjacent service roads. They clarified that the project has not yet been formally inaugurated and that a formal opening ceremony will take place after all remaining work is completed.

Speaking to journalists, the two leaders said that improving Karachi’s road infrastructure and easing traffic congestion remain among the Sindh government’s top priorities. They noted that several underpasses, flyovers, and road improvement projects are currently under construction across the city to provide safer and more efficient travel for commuters.

The officials also highlighted progress on the University Road rehabilitation project, stating that construction work has significantly accelerated after initial delays. They said the contractor responsible for the delays had been blacklisted, while the relevant civic agencies are now working together to complete the project as quickly as possible and minimize inconvenience for residents.

Responding to a question about politics, Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah criticized the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), saying that despite being part of the federal government and holding key ministries, the party has yet to bring any major development project for Karachi. He alleged that the issue of creating new provinces is repeatedly raised to divert public attention and has no practical basis.

He further stated that the division of Sindh is neither under consideration nor feasible, adding that the country already faces administrative challenges with its existing provinces. Creating additional provinces, he argued, would require new provincial governments, assemblies, and administrative structures without addressing the city’s immediate development needs.

Referring specifically to the Munawar Chowrangi Underpass, the officials said the facility has been opened solely to allow traffic movement while construction continues on the adjoining service roads. They assured citizens that once all engineering and finishing work is completed, the project will be formally inaugurated and fully operational, providing long-term relief to commuters in one of Karachi’s busiest traffic corridors.