Malir Expressway - Karachi is building a new highway to ease traffic!
Karachi is the World’s 12th largest city with a population of over 20 million and almost 3.4 million vehicles. This causes traffic jams and makes it hard to get around. The Pakistani government is building a new 6-lane highway next to the Malir River to fix this. This will connect the city center to the main highway much faster, saving people time and fuel. It will also help trucks carrying goods move around more easily. The first phase of the Malir Expressway, from Qayyumabad to the Shah Faisal Colony, is set to be inaugurated on 25th December 2024, marking a significant milestone for Karachi’s infrastructure.
It starts from KPT Interchange near Qayyomabad and ends at Super Highway (M9), near DHA Phase-IX. As considered by the Government of Sindh the Development of the expressway is done under Public Private Partnership mode (PPP), on an urgent basis, to bring ease in traffic flows and lives of the general public.
To carry out this project, the following consultants are engaged:
- M/s. EA Consulting (Pvt) Ltd -Technical Consultant (Lead Member)
- M/s. Ernst & Young – Financial Consultant
- M/s. HaidermotBNR & Co – Legal Consultant.
What are the benefits of the Malir Expressway for Bahria Town Karachi residents?
The Malir Expressway is a 39-kilometer, six-lane, high-speed toll expressway under construction in Karachi, Pakistan. Phase 1 of the project, connecting Qayyumabad to Shah Faisal Colony, will officially open on 25th December 2024, reducing the journey to Kathore to just 20 minutes. It promises to bring significant benefits to Bahria Town Karachi. Expected to have a design speed of 80 km/h, significantly reducing travel time compared to existing roads. This project is currently under construction, with an estimated completion date in 2025.
Benefits for Bahria Town Karachi:
- Immediate connectivity improvements: With Phase 1 opening soon, Bahria Town residents will gain faster access to the city center and other areas.
- Reduced travel time: Residents of Bahria Town will now have a direct, high-speed link to Kathore, completing the journey in just 20 minutes.
- Increased connectivity: The expressway will connect Bahria Town to other major developments like DHA City, and the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway, opening up new opportunities for residents and businesses.
- Enhanced BTK property value: Improved accessibility and connectivity are expected to boost the value of properties within Bahria Town Karachi, making it an attractive option for real estate investors and homeowners alike.
- Economic growth: The expressway is expected to stimulate economic activity in Bahria Town Karachi and surrounding areas by facilitating easier movement of goods and people.
- Improved quality of life: Reduced traffic congestion and faster travel times can lead to a better quality of life for residents, with less time spent commuting and more time for other activities
- Better Infrastructure: The completion of Phase 1 introduces Karachi’s highest bridge, standing 50 feet tall, near Shah Faisal Colony, signifying modern infrastructure development.
- Tourism and Recreation: The expressway may facilitate easier access to tourist attractions and recreational facilities in and around Bahria Town Karachi, encouraging tourism within the township
Malir Expressway Map
Features of Malir Expressway
Features | Values |
Project Length | 39.1 km on the Right Bank of the Malir River |
Facility Type | Access Controlled High-Speed Toll Expressway |
Typical Cross-Section | 4-Lane with 3m side Shoulders dual carriageway and 7.9m raised central median, for future expansion |
Design Speed | 80 km per hour |
Mode of Financing | DBFOT Mode |
Design & Construction Period | 36 Months |
Concession Period | 25 + 3 Years |
Interchanges | 1. Korangi – Shah Faisal Colony Road |
No Flyovers | 3 |
No of Other Bridges | 5 |
No. of Underpass | 8 |
No. of Cattle Creeps | 8 |
No of Culvers | 22 |
No of Weigh Bridges | 6 |
No of Toll Plaza | 21 |
Latest news for Karachi! The Malir Expressway is getting a boost!
Good news for Karachi commuters! The first section of the Malir Expressway, from Qayyumabad to Shah Faisal Colony, will be inaugurated on 25 December. This development is a game-changer for Bahria Town residents, providing quicker and more efficient travel to and from the city.
In addition, The Sindh government has approved a 14.5 billion rupee investment to complete additional work on the Malir Expressway. This means the project is back on track and is expected to be finished by June 2025.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- The extra money will help overcome challenges faced in some areas along the route.
- A new elevated option is being used to avoid densely populated areas.
- The first section of the expressway, from Qayyumabad to Quaidabad, could be open as early as next month!
This is a big step forward for Karachi’s infrastructure and will hopefully ease traffic congestion in the city. Stay tuned for updates on the project’s progress on our Blogs.