Karachi is bracing for another round of traffic disruptions as the Karachi Water and Sewerage System Improvement Project (KWSSIP) begins new excavation work on University Road, adding to the city’s ongoing infrastructure woes.
Officials said a section of University Road between Nipa Chowrangi and the Federal Urdu University will remain closed from November 10 to December 30 to facilitate the laying of 96-inch and 72-inch pipelines under the K-IV augmentation plan.
“This closure is essential for installing a new 2.7-kilometre pipeline network aimed at improving Karachi’s water supply system,” a senior official stated.
The announcement follows months of traffic gridlock caused by the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which has already turned several major arteries into construction zones. Residents of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, and surrounding neighborhoods have endured severe congestion, dust, and noise pollution due to the ongoing work.
According to project documents, the first phase of the water project covers the stretch from Nipa Chowrangi to Federal Urdu University, while the second phase will extend from Hasan Square to Nipa Chowrangi.
Authorities have set December 30 as the completion deadline, though commuters and residents remain doubtful given Karachi’s history of project delays and prolonged road closures.