The multi-billion rupee Shahrah-e-Bhutto, inaugurated only weeks ago, has failed to withstand Karachi’s first spell of heavy rain, exposing cracks, sinkholes, and washed-away sections along the route. The damage, including a 50-foot stretch near Quaidabad swept away by rainwater, has raised questions over the quality of construction and oversight on one of Sindh’s flagship infrastructure projects.
According to Geo News, Shahrah-e-Bhutto has been damaged at several locations due to recent rains with a 50-foot portion was washed away by rainwater, bringing down safety grills, drainage channels, and light poles, while also damaging part of the road surface.
On the same road, cracks up to 100 feet developed along the riverside track near Sharafi Goth while heading toward Qayyumabad.
Near Azimpura, on the way to Quaidabad, a 20-foot section dangerously sank and is now being cut and patched.
At the Shah Faisal Interchange, parts of the unfinished road were submerged in water, while at the end of Korangi Causeway Bridge, a 20-foot section of road had also sunk, which is currently being patched.
According to the project director, work is still ongoing on Shahrah-e-Bhutto even after its inauguration. The defects that have emerged are being fixed.
The spokesperson for the Mayor of Karachi earlier maintained that the infrastructure of Shahrah-e-Bhutto is highly durable and dismissed the criticism as negative propaganda against the government.
