KARACHI: The city’s major thoroughfare, University Road, has been closed to all traffic from Hassain Square to NIPA Chowrangi today due to ongoing development work, and authorities warn it will worsen traffic congestion across the city.
According to a joint statement by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation and the Sindh government, the closure will last 51 days, until December 30, 2025.
The closure is part of work on the BRT Red Line project, specifically laying a water pipeline under the K-4 route.
A 7-kilometer water line network is being installed, which will later connect to the K-4 system for water distribution. The project will proceed in two phases: first from NIPA to Federal Urdu University, then from Hussain Square to NIPA.
Officials have warned that traffic congestion in the city will worsen, particularly affecting Shahrah-e-Liaquat, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Gulistan-e-Johar, and surrounding roads. Dust and construction-related pollution are also expected to create additional difficulties for commuters.
The Karachi Traffic Police have issued an alternative traffic plan. Vehicles coming from Sabzi Mandi will be diverted toward Gharibabad, while traffic from NIPA to Hassain Square will be redirected via Rashid Minhas Road to Al-Hadid.
At the NIPA bridge, the first U-turn toward Federal Urdu University and Hussain Square road has also been closed to manage the flow.
