KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the Rs6.1 billion Korangi Causeway Bridge.
The 1.4-kilometre-long bridge has been built over the Malir River. It connects the Korangi and Landhi industrial areas with Karachi’s East and South districts. The bridge has six lanes, three on each side, and is expected to be used daily by nearly five million people.
The chief minister arrived at the site along with Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Shah, Labour Minister Saeed Ghani and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab. Senior officials, including Special Assistant Ali Rashid and Secretary Local Government Waseem Shamshad, were also present.
Speaking at the ceremony, Murad Ali Shah said the bridge would bring major relief to industrial areas, daily commuters and nearby facilities such as Indus Hospital, schools and residential areas.
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He said the area used to get cut off during rains, which divided the city into two parts. “About three years ago, we decided to solve this problem by building this bridge,” he said.
The chief minister added that the project is part of wider efforts to improve Karachi’s weak and damaged infrastructure.
He said some related work is still in progress, including linking Shahrah-i-Bhutto with Korangi Road. “We plan to open Shahrah-i-Bhutto by Eid or soon after. The road will be operational from Korangi Road to the M-9 after Eid,” he added.
Relief for Gul Plaza victims
Talking to the media, the chief minister also announced relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction measures for people affected by the recent Gul Plaza tragedy.
He said the incident had deeply saddened the entire province and stressed that no amount of money could compensate for the loss of lives.
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Murad Ali Shah said the Sindh government had announced Rs10 million compensation for each deceased person on the first day of the incident.
He also recalled that financial help was announced for affected shopkeepers. “The Sindh government will support them until they are able to stand on their own again,” he said.
The chief minister announced that each affected shopkeeper would receive Rs500,000 as immediate support to cover household expenses, including food, school fees and utility bills.
He further assured that shopkeepers would be compensated for goods and inventory destroyed in the fire. He said the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) would help in verification and payment of compensation.
