The Karachi Northern Bypass costing Rs 2.928 billion will be inaugurated on November 8 (Monday). Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Communication Minister Shamim Siddiqui will be the chief guests on the occasion, Business Recorder learnt here on Thursday.
The Karachi Northern Bypass would not only be helpful in handling cargo traffic but also beneficial in facilitating economic activity after the Gwadar port will become operational.
After its completion, about 56.638km-long northern bypass project would streamline heavy traffic from the Karachi port to the rest of the country.
Being the only seaport of the country, almost all upcountry commercial traffic is routed through Karachi.
Cargo traffic passes through congested city streets gravely straining urban road system, which is not capable of catering to heavy loads.
The project has assumed more importance in view of the fact that presently heavy vehicles entering and going out of Karachi are a constant source of traffic mess.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) appointed the Engineering Consultants International (Pvt) Limited (ECIL) to prepare feasibility study and detail design of the project.
Some 163,840 vehicles enter the city through the Superhighway including trucks, tankers, trawlers and other light vehicles causing immense traffic load.
It will also link the Karachi port to the Superhighway, passing through the Mauripur road, Sher Shah along the RCD highway and the northern outskirts of the city.