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KARACHI, Jan 26 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the Rs6.1 billion Korangi Causeway bridge and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to enhancing Karachi’s infrastructure, while unveiling comprehensive relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction initiatives for those affected by the recent Gul Plaza tragedy.
Talking to the media at the inauguration ceremony of the Korangi Causeway Bridge, the chief minister began by offering prayers for those who lost their lives in the Gul Plaza incident and urged everyone to recite Surah Al-Fatiha and Surah Al-Ikhlas for the departed souls. He said the tragic event had deeply saddened the entire province and reiterated that no compensation could ever truly compensate for the loss of human life.
Chief Minister Murad Shah, accompanied by Provincial Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Shah, Provincial Minister for Labour Saeed Ghani, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, arrived at the Korangi Causeway, where he was received by Special Assistant Ali Rashid, Provincial Local Government Secretary Waseem Shamshad, and others.
Underscoring the importance of the Korangi Causeway project, Murad Shah said the bridge was a longstanding commitment, especially to the residents and industrial stakeholders of Korangi and the surrounding areas. “This area used to be cut off whenever it rained, effectively dividing the city into two parts. To address this difficulty, we committed nearly three years ago to building a bridge here,” he said.
The Chief Minister stated that construction on the bridge commenced around one and a half years ago, but faced delays due to design-related issues. He said the newly inaugurated bridge is approximately 1.4 kilometres long, has six lanes – three on each side – and was built at a cost exceeding Rs6.135 billion.
Shah added that the project will greatly benefit the Korangi and Landhi industrial areas, daily commuters, and nearby facilities, including Indus Hospital, SIUT, educational institutions, and residential communities. According to him, nearly five million people are expected to use the bridge daily.
Murad Ali Shah stated that the Korangi Causeway bridge is part of a broader initiative to rehabilitate Karachi’s deteriorating infrastructure. He noted that some ancillary construction work was still ongoing, including efforts to connect Shahrah-e-Bhutto with Korangi Road. “We aim to open Shahrah-e-Bhutto by Eid or immediately after. Although there has been a delay of about one and a half to two months, the road will be operational from Korangi Road to the M-9 after Eid,” he said.
The CM was also briefed on the connecting loops and the grade-separated interchange being constructed under the Shaheed Bhutto Expressway project, which will link Korangi, DHA, and the Kathore (M-9) Highway. Two entry and two exit ramps have been built for Korangi and Qayumabad to ensure conflict-free traffic movement and reduce pressure on inner-city roads.
CM Murad Ali Shah stated that the Shaheed Bhutto Expressway would serve as Karachi’s economic lifeline and help resolve chronic traffic issues through controlled-access corridors.
Turning to the Gul Plaza tragedy, the chief minister said more than a week had passed since the incident and outlined the government’s response in detail. He reiterated that the Sindh government had announced compensation of Rs 10 million for each deceased person on the very first day, acknowledging that no amount could truly compensate for the loss of life.
The CM recalled that during his address on the floor of the Sindh Assembly, he had also announced financial assistance for shopkeepers affected by the incident. “Until the shopkeepers stand on their own feet again, the Sindh government will not leave them alone,” he said, adding that cabinet approval for these measures would be obtained shortly.
Murad Ali Shah announced that each affected shopkeeper would receive Rs500,000 as immediate subsistence support to help them manage household expenses, including food, school fees for children, and utility bills, over the next two months. He said the government, in collaboration with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), had already begun assessing and compensating for business losses.
Shah assured that the Sindh government would compensate shopkeepers for the goods and inventory destroyed in the fire, with KCCI’s assistance playing a key role in verification and disbursement. He added that several building owners had voluntarily offered space to temporarily accommodate displaced shopkeepers.
“I am aware of at least two buildings – one with around 500 shops and another with about 350 shops. Additionally, the government’s own parking plazas and other buildings have capacity,” he said.
The chief minister stated that approximately 1,300 affected shops would be given alternative locations within two months, enabling traders to resume their businesses during that period. He said additional payments would be made during this interim phase to help shopkeepers recover their losses.
The CM Murad Shah further announced that through the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund, each affected shopkeeper would be offered an interest-free loan of up to Rs10 million. The government would act as guarantor, cover the interest costs, and facilitate the loan process without requiring recommendation letters.
He concluded by stating that Gul Plaza would be reconstructed in consultation with the affected shopkeepers. “The number of shops will remain exactly the same – not a single additional shop will be built,” the chief minister said, reaffirming transparency and fairness in the rebuilding process.