KARACHI – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inaugurated the first segment of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Expressway, commonly known as the Malir Expressway, on Saturday. This long-awaited project is designed to improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion in Karachi, a city notorious for its gridlocked roads.
Key Features of Malir Expressway
The Malir Expressway covers a stretch of 9.1 kilometers in its first phase, starting from Korangi Causeway and ending at Shah Faisal. Here’s a quick look at how the expressway will enhance travel times:
| Route | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Korangi to Karachi Airport | 20 minutes |
| Korangi to Nearby Areas | 5 minutes |
This expressway will serve as a vital corridor, providing faster access to key areas, especially for daily commuters.
Inauguration Ceremony Highlights
Prominent officials, including Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and other members of the provincial cabinet, attended the inauguration event. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari commended the Sindh government’s efforts and reiterated the importance of modern infrastructure in boosting the city’s economy.
Restrictions on Motorcycles and Rickshaws
To maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure safety, Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani announced the following regulations for the expressway:
- Motorcycles and rickshaws will be prohibited from using the expressway.
- Violators will face heavy fines.
These restrictions aim to prevent traffic hazards and ensure the expressway remains efficient for larger vehicles.
Toll Fee Structure for Malir Expressway
To fund maintenance and operational costs, a toll fee has been introduced for vehicles using the expressway. The Sindh Chief Minister has directed the installation of an automatic toll collection system. Below is the detailed toll fee structure:
| Vehicle Type | Toll Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Cars | 100 |
| Buses | 200 |
| Motorcycles | Prohibited |
| Rickshaws | Prohibited |
Emergency Services on Standby
To handle any unforeseen emergencies, the expressway will have an ambulance and fire brigade stationed around the clock.. This measure ensures timely assistance in case of accidents or emergencies.
Conclusion
The Malir Expressway promises to revolutionize Karachi’s transportation landscape by significantly cutting travel time and reducing traffic bottlenecks. Moreover, with strict safety regulations and toll management in place, this modern infrastructure project aims to provide a seamless travel experience for the city’s residents.
