The Natha Khan Bridge on Sharae Faisal, the city’s main artery, has once again fallen into disrepair due to the theft of steel rods (rebar) by drug-addicted individuals. Damage to the bridge’s beam has created a large pothole, prompting repair work. Traffic flow has been severely affected, causing journeys that would take minutes to now take over an hour. Daily commuters continue to suffer due to recurring damage and repair work.
Reportedly, the beams of the Natha Khan Bridge have been damaged by addicts who have cut and stolen steel bars from inside the bridge beams, compromising structural support and causing cracks in the beams. The entire underside of the bridge has been damaged as a result, and the middle lane of the bridge has caved in.
Traffic police informed relevant authorities, after which the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) began repair work on Monday. Workers opened up an eight-foot wide and 15-foot long section in the middle of the bridge, leading to major disruption in traffic. Long lines of vehicles formed, causing distress to commuters rendered stuck under the scorching heat.
Workers explained that the cracked beams will be repaired first, followed by road resurfacing, stating that the repairs could take 10 to 15 days to complete. They argued that drug addicts continue to cut steel rods in broad daylight without any interference from anyone, including the police; however, if a common citizen were to do the same, police would immediately arrest them.
In-charge of the Airport Traffic Section, Inspector Rehan Zaib, told Express in an exclusive conversation that traffic pressure will increase in the evening due to the pothole on the Natha Khan Bridge.
He urged citizens to avoid Sharae Faisal during peak evening hours and use alternate routes. People heading to the airport are advised to take the Malir Expressway, while others can use Karsaz Road, Drigh Road, and Rashid Minhas Road, to reach their destinations, reducing the load on the bridge.
