Digging for Red Line damages gas pipeline, disrupts supply in Karachi

Karachi residents faced a significant inconvenience on Saturday as gas supply to several areas was suspended during lunch hours due to damage to a high-pressure pipeline during construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line on University Road. The disruption affected regions including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, areas around Mazar-i-Quaid, parts of Garden, Saddar, Burns Road, and other localities.

Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) spokesperson confirmed that the pipeline near the Gulshan-i-Iqbal telephone exchange on University Road was damaged at approximately 1pm, and repair work was completed by 5pm, restoring gas supply thereafter. The sudden suspension caused considerable inconvenience, particularly during cooking hours, with many households reporting disruption in preparing afternoon meals and commercial eateries experiencing a rush of customers as people opted to dine out or take food home.

Domestic consumers expressed frustration over low pressure persisting even after restoration, leading some families to seek food from nearby restaurants. This disruption was particularly challenging for residents hosting guests and those with children who needed meals prepared at home.