The upcoming inauguration of the Malir Expressway, officially renamed “Shaheed Zulfiqar Bhutto Expressway,” marks a transformative milestone in Karachi’s transportation infrastructure.
According to some media reports, scheduled for January 11, this high-speed corridor is expected to revolutionize connectivity, reduce travel time, and provide a critical link between key areas in the city.
The Malir Expressway spans 40 kilometers and connects Korangi Creek Avenue (DHA) to Kathore near the M-9 Motorway (Superhighway). The first phase, a 9.1-km stretch from Korangi Causeway to Shah Faisal Interchange, will be inaugurated by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
This phase includes a connecting flyover from Korangi and is projected to significantly enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion. The expressway will serve as a two-way, three-lane route, developed under a public-private partnership (PPP).
Officials highlight that it will drastically cut travel time, reducing the journey from Jam Sadiq Bridge to Jinnah Terminal to just 15 minutes. It also improves connectivity to major areas, including Shah Faisal, the airport, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and the National Highway.
To ensure smooth and safe operations, motorcycles and rickshaws are strictly prohibited on the expressway. Both heavy traffic and normal vehicles will be allowed, with toll plaza charges set at Rs100 for cars and jeeps and Rs200 for heavy vehicles.
Additionally, special interchanges provide easy access to major residential and commercial areas, while the Shah Faisal Interchange to Shah Faisal Colony Bridge has been declared a No Parking Zone.
The Sindh Government envisions the expressway as a “game-changer” for Karachi’s infrastructure. It aims to alleviate chronic traffic congestion while boosting the city’s economic prospects by improving cargo transport routes.
Comprehensive security measures are in place, including the deployment of district and traffic police at key entry and exit points like Jam Sadiq, EBM, and Shah Faisal Interchanges. Dedicated traffic units will patrol both sides of the corridor, alongside the presence of traffic police, fire brigades, and Rescue 1122 ambulances.
The first phase includes a ramp for faster traffic flow and a connecting flyover from Korangi, with completion expected within two months. Simultaneously, road rehabilitation projects are underway at Jam Sadiq, EBM, and Shah Faisal Interchanges, and encroachments have been cleared at Quaidabad Interchange.
To further ensure commuter safety, road lighting installations are ongoing, and CM Murad Ali Shah has announced plans for a night inspection. His directives emphasize the importance of clearing illegal structures along the route and accelerating work to maintain the project’s timeline.
The Sindh Government’s decision to rename the expressway in honor of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto reflects its broader vision of integrating Karachi’s rich history with its infrastructural growth. CM Shah has described the project as crucial for the city’s development, addressing mounting traffic challenges while enhancing connectivity for daily commuters and cargo transport alike.
As the first phase opens to the public, plans for extending the route to Kathore are already in motion, further consolidating Karachi’s transport network. The expressway’s anticipated impact on reducing travel time and improving access to key urban areas underscores its significance as a critical step in Karachi’s journey toward modernization.
