The Karachi elevated U-turn on University Road has drawn criticism from motorists, who say its narrow single-lane layout leaves too little room for vehicles to turn comfortably.
The structure, known as KU Elevated U-Turn 2, opened near the University of Karachi on Thursday, November 5, following directives from Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. It is the first elevated U-turn to open on University Road under the Karachi BRT Red Line project.
What the U-turn does
According to TransKarachi, the structure lets motorists travelling from Safoora turn back towards the University of Karachi without interrupting traffic on the main corridor.
The flyover-style turn aims to cut congestion along University Road, where work on the Red Line BRT and the K-IV water project has disrupted traffic movement for years.
Memon had earlier said the U-turn would make travel more convenient for commuters during construction work on the road. The idea is simple: take turning traffic off the main carriageway, so through traffic keeps moving.
Why the Karachi elevated U-turn drew criticism
The criticism centres on the elevated lane’s width and the driving experience. Commuters say the single lane feels tight, and they question whether larger vehicles can use it with ease.
The response has been swift. Within two days of the opening, the design, rather than the idea, became the talking point. Motorists have asked whether the structure offers enough space for vehicles to turn comfortably, and whether the driving experience matches what was promised.
No official response to the criticism has been reported so far. The Sindh government has not said whether it plans any change to the structure.
The Red Line backdrop
The U-turn is a small part of a much larger project. The Red Line is a 26.6-kilometre bus rapid transit corridor from Model Colony in Malir to Numaish Chowrangi and Tower, running along University Road and M.A. Jinnah Road. It is funded by the Asian Development Bank, and it is planned to carry around 300,000 passengers a day once complete, with about 29 stations along the route.
University Road is one of Karachi’s busiest corridors. It carries students to the University of Karachi and NED University, as well as thousands of daily commuters. Construction has squeezed the road for years, which is why any new structure on it draws close attention.
Karachi’s transport picture is changing on other fronts too. Sindh has rolled out double-decker electric buses in the city, and major projects such as the Karachi Marble City development show the scale of work under way. Students in the city have also protested over exam results, a sign of how closely Karachi’s residents watch public services.
The Sindh government, meanwhile, has cut the wheat release price in a separate move aimed at easing costs for households.
What happens next
The test for the U-turn will be daily use. If traffic flows smoothly at peak hours, the criticism may fade. If queues form on the ramp, or drivers avoid the structure, the design will stay under pressure.
For now, the U-turn is open and in use. Motorists will judge it the way they judge every Karachi road project: not by the ribbon cutting, but by the drive home.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the new U-turn?
The U-turn is on University Road in Karachi, near the University of Karachi.
When did it open?
It opened on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
What is the U-turn called?
It is known as KU Elevated U-Turn 2. It is the first elevated U-turn to open on University Road under the BRT Red Line project.
Why are motorists unhappy with it?
Motorists say the single-lane design is too narrow, and they question whether vehicles can turn comfortably on it.
