‘University Road project glaring failure of governance’

Karachi's University Road, a crucial transport artery, has become a symbol of governance failure, according to Altaf Shakoor, chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP). Despite being intended to enhance public transport, the University Road project has subjected residents, students, and businesses to years of disruption, congestion, dust, potholes, and diversions.

The financial cost of the delay has ballooned from an initial estimate of Rs79 billion to roughly Rs103 billion – a Rs24 billion increase. Launched in 2022, the project, initially slated for completion within a few years, now faces an extended deadline of June 2027, effectively turning into a five-year ordeal for commuters. Authorities have repeatedly revised completion dates, including June 2026 and September 15, 2026.

However, the real issue is not just when the project will be finished, but at what cost – in money, time, and productivity – for Karachi's citizens. Shakoor criticized the repeated announcements of shorter deadlines and questioned the project's planning and coordination. The delays have raised serious questions about accountability and the responsibility to manage obstacles.

The economic consequences, borne by ordinary citizens and businesses, include lost working hours, increased fuel consumption, and reduced productivity. University Road has become a five-year ordeal for commuters, with journeys that once took minutes now stretching into hours. The PDP chairman called for a culture of delivery rather than mere announcements, asserting that development should be measured by completed projects on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to citizens.

He urged the government to publish a comprehensive progress report on the project's costs, expenditures, contractual obligations, delays, and the latest completion schedule, with measurable milestones to ensure transparency and accountability.