The long-delayed Karimabad Underpass project has turned into a major headache for residents.
The project’s completion date has been revised multiple times, first to September 2024, then to September 2025, followed by February 2026.
Now, a fourth guaranteed deadline has emerged, with the Chief Minister of Sindh announcing June 2026 as the new completion date. Instead of completing the project, the Sindh government and the Mayor of Karachi continue to announce new deadlines, further frustrating the affected community.
The sources revealed that the underpass, which began on December 23, 2023, with an initial cost of Rs 1.35 billion, has now escalated to Rs 3.81bn.
The prolonged delay has devastated businesses in Karimabad, particularly shopkeepers whose livelihoods depend on foot traffic.
With the Holy month of Ramazan approaching, traders fear that, for yet another year, they will be unable to run their businesses during the holy month due to ongoing construction.
Residents share views on prolonged construction delays
Many business owners are now questioning whether they can survive another year of financial losses.
Abdul Khalid, a garment trader, said that the underpass project has pushed many businesses to the brink of bankruptcy.
Over the past two and a half years, numerous shopkeepers have already decided to shut down their stores.
Once a bustling shopping hub during both winter and summer seasons, Karimabad market has seen a sharp decline in customers.
Women who once visited the area regularly to purchase clothing no longer come, and the same is true for traders across the market.
Bridal wear traders stated that their businesses have been severely affected and questioned how long they can continue to endure these losses. Without the timely completion of the project and the restoration of proper access to the market, many fear the damage may be irreversible.
Arsalan Hussain stated that inflation is already putting immense pressure on consumers’ budgets. With damaged roads and restricted access, many customers are now turning to nearby, more convenient markets. What was once a commercial centre has turned into a nightmare, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of families.
Shopkeepers say it has become extremely difficult to pay shop rent and staff salaries. One trader shared that out of six salesmen, four had to be dismissed due to declining sales.
“Our shop rent is up to Rs 80,000. When there are no customers, how are we supposed to survive?” he asked. He added that due to the construction of the Karimabad Underpass, business activities have completely come to a halt, creating a situation of severe financial distress in their homes.
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