Major Road in Karachi to Be Closed for 50 Days

The city is bracing for a fresh wave of traffic disruptions as a major stretch of University Road will be closed to all traffic from 10 November to 30 December. The closure covers the section between NIPA Chowrangi and Federal Urdu University, and is being carried out by the Karachi Water and Sewerage System Improvement Project (KWSSIP) as part of the larger K‑IV augmentation project.

What’s happening

• The work involves installing large water‑transmission pipelines  96‑inch and 72‑inch diameter  over approximately 2.7 kilometres along the closed stretch.

• This marks the first phase, with the second phase set to extend from Hasan Square to NIPA Chowrangi in the coming weeks.

• Traffic authorities are preparing diversion routes and advising commuters that travel times are likely to increase during the closure.

Why it matters

While the infrastructure upgrade is aimed at improving Karachi’s water supply system, residents are already feeling the effects of long‑standing construction in the area. The University Road corridor has been under strain from previous projects, including the major BRT system, and this closure adds another layer of disruption.

Impact for commuters & businesses

• Residents of busy localities like Gulshan‑e‑Iqbal and Gulistan‑e‑Jauhar should expect heavier traffic, dust and noise for the duration of the works.

• Businesses along University Road may face access issues and fewer customers due to the restricted traffic flow.

• Although December 30 is the official deadline, many commuters remain cautious  past infrastructure works in Karachi have often stretched beyond their timelines.

What you can do

• Plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time.

• Follow updates from traffic authorities for any changes to detour plans.

• If possible, adjust travel times to off‑peak hours to avoid worst‑case traffic.

Yes, the next 50 days will likely be a bit rough for anyone using University Road but the hope is that the disruption is temporary and leads to much‑needed relief in water‑supply reliability for Karachi.
Stay patient, follow the detours, and keep an eye on official advisories.

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