Karachi Encroachment Crackdown Starts on Main Roads
A Karachi encroachment crackdown will clear illegal structures from the city’s main roads, starting with University Road and the routes used by the People’s Bus Service. Dawn reported that the Sindh government decided on Thursday to launch a large-scale operation to remove encroachments that block traffic across Karachi.
The decision came during a meeting chaired by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. Police, the city administration and the transport department will carry out the operation together.
The crackdown matters because Karachi’s main roads carry hundreds of thousands of commuters every day, and illegal stalls, terminals and structures eat into the space meant for traffic. Clearing them should ease the daily journey for bus passengers and drivers alike.
Karachi encroachment crackdown: what happens first
In the first phase, the operation will run on a priority basis on major roads of the city, including University Road, as well as various routes of the People’s Bus Service. That is the plan set out in the official handout after the meeting.
The departments concerned were directed to take immediate measures to remove established encroachments along the bus service routes, and to clear illegal encroachments that blocked traffic flow. The meeting also decided that illegal bus terminals set up in various parts of the city, including Sohrab Goth, would be shifted outside the city.
Memon said encroachments on the roads and bus routes caused serious difficulties for citizens and passengers. He was quoted as saying that illegal occupations and obstructions on roads affect the smooth flow of traffic, increase fuel expenses and also create difficulties in the movement of public transport.
He directed the departments to act against illegal encroachments under a joint strategy, and to launch an operation against illegal bus terminals so that traffic pressure on the city’s roads could be reduced and citizens could be provided with ease in their daily commute.
Why University Road is a priority
University Road is one of Karachi’s busiest routes, and it faces severe traffic congestion due to the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit Red Line project. The project was launched in March 2022 and was estimated to complete within 30 months after its ground-breaking.
That deadline has long passed, and the road is still a daily test for commuters. A September report noted that University Road was riddled with obstructions at Old Sabzi Mandi, Hasan Square and Safora Chowrangi, on top of the construction work.
Memon has spoken about the road’s problems several times. In September, he said the difficulties faced by commuters on University Road were almost over. Earlier in August, he had promised that the government would make University Road 100 per cent motorable by September 15.
The new crackdown will be judged against those promises. If the encroachments go but the Red Line work still blocks the road, commuters will see only partial relief.
A long record of promises
Karachi has heard anti-encroachment promises before. In September, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that 15 major city roads would be cleared of encroachments in the first phase of a special campaign.
The meeting also discussed longer-term fixes. It looked at setting up modern bus terminals outside Karachi under a public-private partnership, and at the project to expand the Karachi Bus Terminal. Memon directed officials to speed up work on a logistics park, and said all relevant departments should work together to improve traffic flow and organise the transport system.
Karachi is also facing a water shortage, while the FIA and the Malir Development Authority have acted against fake bank challans in the city. Criticism of a U-turn near Karachi University has also put the spotlight on the city’s roads, and a 300-acre marble city is planned for Karachi.
Frequently asked questions
Which roads will the Karachi encroachment crackdown cover first?
Major roads of the city, including University Road, and various routes of the People’s Bus Service will be covered in the first phase.
Who is leading the operation?
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. Police, the city administration and the transport department will act together.
What will happen to illegal bus terminals?
Illegal bus terminals in various parts of the city, including Sohrab Goth, will be shifted outside the city.
Why is University Road congested?
The road faces severe traffic congestion due to the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit Red Line project, which was launched in March 2022, plus encroachments at points such as Old Sabzi Mandi, Hasan Square and Safora Chowrangi.
What else was decided at the meeting?
The meeting discussed modern bus terminals outside Karachi under a public-private partnership, expansion of the Karachi Bus Terminal and faster work on a logistics park.
