Karachi’s Lyari Expressway Set for Major Upgrade to Tackle Traffic Woes and Boost Connectivity

In a decisive move to alleviate Karachi’s long-standing traffic congestion issues, the Lyari Expressway is slated for a comprehensive upgrade, following high-level discussions between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan. The initiative is backed by the National Highway Authority (NHA), which has pledged to overhaul the expressway’s interchanges and implement engineering solutions to optimize traffic flow—particularly in congestion-prone areas like Sohrab Goth.

Key Objectives of the Upgrade

The primary aim of the Lyari Expressway upgrade is to:

• Reduce traffic bottlenecks
• Enhance urban mobility
• Improve trade logistics by ensuring seamless connectivity between Karachi Port and national highways

This revamp is not only vital for commuters but also crucial for commercial transport, given Karachi’s status as Pakistan’s economic hub.

Heavy Traffic Reconsideration and Safety Concerns

Originally constructed to facilitate cargo movement from the port to the motorway, the Lyari Expressway has only permitted light vehicles in recent years due to safety concerns raised in a third-party audit. However, the NHA is now proposing to allow heavy traffic during non-peak hours, a change that could significantly improve freight transit efficiency.

To maintain safety and traffic balance, the Chief Minister suggested constructing a separate service road to channel city traffic, which would help decongest the main expressway and ensure a smoother flow of both personal and commercial vehicles.

Government Collaboration and Timely Execution

Both the federal and provincial governments have agreed to fast-track the project, acknowledging its strategic importance for Karachi’s transportation grid and its broader economic impact. The collaboration signals a rare but welcome moment of unity in pursuing infrastructure development for public benefit.

“The Lyari Expressway upgrade isn’t just about easing traffic—it’s about driving economic progress, enhancing safety, and future-proofing Karachi’s mobility,”
— Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan

Part of a Broader Infrastructure Vision

The expressway revamp is one component of a larger transportation overhaul envisioned for Karachi. Projects like the M-6 and M-10 motorways, port connectivity plans, and traffic decongestion efforts in hotspots like Sohrab Goth reflect a coordinated strategy to modernize the city’s infrastructure and support sustainable urban growth.

Expected Impact

Once completed, the Lyari Expressway upgrade is expected to:

• Shorten travel times across major city zones
• Facilitate efficient cargo movement
• Improve road safety and reduce traffic stress
• Boost economic activity through better port-to-highway access

Afsheen Gohar

Afsheen Gohar is a seasoned writer with a wealth of experience in crafting authentic and well-researched articles. Her dedication to delivering high-quality content is evident in her work, where she combines a passion for storytelling with a commitment to accuracy and depth. Afsheen’s writing reflects her ability to engage readers with compelling narratives while providing valuable insights on a diverse range of topics.