The city is bracing for another round of traffic disruptions as a key section of University Road will be closed for nearly two months due to pipeline installation under the Karachi Water and Sewerage System Improvement Project (KWSSIP).
According to officials, the stretch between Nipa Chowrangi and the Federal Urdu University will remain shut from November 10 to December 30 to allow the laying of 96-inch and 72-inch water pipelines. These lines are part of the K-IV augmentation plan, designed to strengthen Karachi’s aging water distribution network.
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A senior KWSSIP official said the project’s completion is essential for ensuring a reliable water supply to several parts of the city. “This 2.7-kilometer segment will form a vital link in the new pipeline system,” the official stated.
However, the closure is expected to worsen the traffic woes already caused by ongoing construction of the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, which has narrowed several major arteries. Residents and daily commuters from Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gulistan-i-Johar, and adjoining areas are likely to face heavy congestion, dust, and prolonged travel times.
The project’s first phase covers the Nipa Chowrangi–Federal Urdu University stretch, while the second phase will extend from Hasan Square to Nipa Chowrangi, according to project documents.
Authorities have set December 30 as the completion deadline. Yet, given Karachi’s history of project delays and missed targets, many commuters remain doubtful that the road will reopen on time.
The administration has urged motorists to use alternate routes and cooperate with traffic personnel to minimize inconvenience during the construction period.
