Link road project to connect Jauhar with Sharea Faisal hit by Railways-KMC land dispute

A dispute over land ownership has threatened the Rs780 million road project connecting Gulistan-i-Jauhar with Sharea Faisal, following a clash between Pakistan Railways police and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) City Wardens.

The project involves a dual carriageway linking Natha Khan Bridge with Pehlwan Goth and Habib University, running parallel to Chakor Nullah. It is intended to provide an alternative route for commuters and ease congestion on Sharea Faisal, Rashid Minhas Road and Dalmia Road.

Pakistan Railways police halted construction on Sunday, claiming the work was being carried out on land belonging to the Karachi Circular Railway without authorisation.

The intervention led to a heated exchange and physical scuffle between railway police personnel and KMC City Wardens. The KMC alleged that its City Wardens Director, Saim Imran, was beaten before being taken to a railway police station.

A Pakistan Railways official said authorities were gathering information about the incident and would determine further action in accordance with the law.

The KMC rejected the railway authorities’ claim, saying it had fulfilled all legal requirements before starting construction more than two months ago.

A KMC spokesperson said senior municipal officials were in contact with railway authorities and expressed hope that the dispute would be resolved soon. The project is scheduled for completion by October 30.