The iconic Empress Market is undergoing a major facelift, with efforts underway to restore its historic architecture while tackling Saddar’s chronic parking and traffic congestion.
During a visit to the site, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced that a 500-vehicle parking facility in Saddar will be operational after Eid, providing much-needed relief to the area’s traffic-clogged streets. The facility’s construction is complete, and it will be open to the public soon.
To further ease congestion, Wahab disclosed plans to develop additional parking spaces near Bolton Market and secure railway land for long-term parking solutions, particularly for II Chundrigar Road. “Acquiring railway land will be a game-changer in resolving Karachi’s parking crisis,” he stated.
Infrastructure upgrades are also in progress, with a new bridge set to be built at Quaidabad Murghi Khana post-Eid and another near the Jam Sadiq Bridge. While the Meena Bazaar underpass faces construction delays, Wahab assured that the Karimabad underpass will be completed within the year.
Addressing broader urban challenges, the mayor criticized the lack of motorways in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, attributing traffic congestion to the influx of heavy dumpers on city roads. “Without dedicated motorways, Karachi’s roads will remain under strain,” he emphasized.
With restoration efforts and urban development projects in full swing, Karachi is moving towards a future that preserves its heritage while modernizing its infrastructure.