By Karachi is bracing for fresh traffic challenges as the Karachi Water and Sewerage System Improvement Project (KWSSIP) begins large-scale excavation work on University Road. The development is part of the K-IV augmentation plan, aimed at improving the city’s long-term water supply, but it is expected to add further strain to an already burdened road network.
Officials have announced that a significant portion of University Road, specifically between Nipa Chowrangi and the Federal Urdu University, will remain closed from November 10 to December 30. The closure is necessary to facilitate the installation of 96-inch and 72-inch water pipelines, forming a new 2.7-kilometre underground network.
A senior KWSSIP representative explained that the project is essential to enhancing Karachi’s aging water system. “This closure is essential for installing new pipelines that will support improved water supply to several densely populated areas,” the official stated.
However, the announcement comes at a time when Karachi is already facing severe road congestion. The ongoing Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has turned multiple major routes into construction corridors. As a result, residents of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, and adjacent localities have been dealing with daily traffic bottlenecks, high levels of dust, and noise disturbances.
Project Phases and Duration
According to project documentation, the KWSSIP pipeline work has been divided into two main phases:
- Phase One: Nipa Chowrangi to Federal Urdu University
- Phase Two: Hasan Square to Nipa Chowrangi
Authorities have targeted December 30 as the completion date for the work. However, given Karachi’s long history of delayed public infrastructure projects, many commuters remain skeptical about the deadline.
What Commuters Should Expect?
- Increased traffic congestion on alternate routes, including Rashid Minhas Road and Stadium Road
- Longer travel times during peak hours
- Possible diversions and temporary closures in connecting lanes
- Continued construction activity overlapping with the Red Line BRT corridor
Residents are being urged to plan their daily travel accordingly, use navigation apps for real-time updates, and allow extra commute time to avoid frustration.
The Bigger Picture
While the short-term inconvenience may frustrate city dwellers, the pipeline installation is expected to improve Karachi’s water distribution system once completed. The K-IV augmentation plan aims to ease chronic water shortages in several localities — a major urban challenge for millions of people.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on officially available announcements and project updates at the time of writing. Changes in timelines, road closures, or project scope may occur. Commuters are advised to follow updates from the Karachi Traffic Police and city administration for the latest guidance.
