Citizens have been frustrated by the Red Line project on University Road. Residents are saying that the Red Line’s construction has been a long torment, and they still wonder about the quality of work being done.
The stretch of road from Safari Park to Nipa Chowrangi was recently finished and opened for traffic, but it has reportedly now started to sink at several points, within days of the opening.
Potholes of four to six inches exist in several locations along the road. Sewerage manhole covers are set in the road surface, posing a hazard to motorcyclists.
The implications for commuters
The sloping surfaces and raised covers can cause serious accidents and are a concern to citizens. If a rider collides with one of these covers at night, they may lose control in an instant. A driver who is trying to avoid getting into the dip of a road may get into a car accident.
The Red Line construction on University Road has added to the public’s concerns. The project has been a major burden for residents for the last four and a half years.
After the problems arose, the traffic has been rerouted around a parallel track. The lane is blocked once again for “corrective” work.
Meanwhile, people who commute via University Road will experience longer routes and more stops. The diverted road is not built for high traffic volumes. A quick drive may take more than an hour at rush hour.
The dangers are even greater when riding a motorcycle or an EV scooter. A 4-inch dip, which may be easily avoided by a car, can prove to be fatal for a bike.
A Preventable Problem
The true pain is that the unwanted situation may have been avoided. If the quality checks had been made correctly during construction, they would have detected the sections that sank before the opening of the road. Basic engineering standards exist for a reason. But they were brushed aside.
It is not a new phenomenon. In Karachi, numerous projects have been completed with substandard workmanship, resulting in repairs taking place within months, weeks, or even days. Taxpayers’ money is used twice. Commuters suffer twice. There’s no one responsible.
Before You Drive That Stretch
Reduce speed when travelling through this area. Maintain extra space ahead of the vehicle to spot road hazards before you encounter them. Be very careful if on a motorcycle or scooter.
If you are thinking of purchasing a used car that has been used on the poor roads of Karachi on a regular basis, it is even more significant to take an expert view. Driving on irregular roads can lead to wear and tear on suspension, tyres, wheel alignment, and even the battery of electric vehicles. This wear and tear is not listed on many sales. You can avoid costly repairs if you get a full inspection before purchase.
FameWheels provides a 200+ point Professional Inspection Service. The only way to prevent purchasing a used car that can prove to be problematic and bring future invoices is to get an inspection service done.
The Bigger Picture
The Red Line sinking is not an exception. It’s a consequence of a bigger issue. Poor planning, weak oversight, and a lack of accountability are destroying Karachi’s infrastructure.
Commuters are facing unsafe roads and surprise closures. People are struggling to make a living, but they see no support from the government. Every day, Karachi faces new problems and becomes less livable. Until the government pays attention to these issues, the stories will keep repeating themselves.
Until further notice, the Safari Park to Nipa will be closed again. Traffic is diverted. Commuters are stuck. Yet another road project fails in Karachi.
