The Great Karachi Shuffle: University Road Gets a Brand-New (and Perhaps Baffling) Traffic Plan

Alright, Karachi commuters, buckle up! Or maybe, just take a deep breath. University Road, that ever-bustling artery of our city, is undergoing yet another significant transformation. And with major development comes, well, major re-routing. The traffic police have rolled out an updated plan, one that’s sure to spark both sighs of frustration and, dare we hope, a touch of optimism for a smoother future.

You see, it’s all in the name of progress. Construction for the Old Sabzi Mandi flyover is in full swing, and let’s not forget the widening of the road stretching from NIPA right up to Safoora Chowrangi. Necessary work, yes, absolutely. But also, a temporary headache for those of us just trying to get from point A to point B, you know?

So, what’s the gist? If you’re usually headed from the Old Sabzi Mandi area towards NIPA Chowrangi on the main University Road, that path is, for now, a no-go. It's closed off. Period. Instead, the advice is to use the service road. Think of it as a parallel universe, running alongside the main drag, past the Old Sabzi Mandi and skirting Dawood University of Engineering and Technology. This is your new route if NIPA, Safoora, or anything beyond is your destination. Honestly, it might add a few minutes, but better a known detour than a sudden stop.

Now, here’s a silver lining, perhaps? If you’re coming from areas like Hussainabad or Civic Centre and heading towards Old Sabzi Mandi, you can still use the main road from NIPA. Same goes for residents of Gulshan-e-Iqbal making their way from Civic Centre towards Old Sabzi Mandi — the main road is yours to traverse. It’s not a complete shutdown, which, let’s be honest, would be pure chaos.

But wait, there's more. For the heavier vehicles, the buses, and those larger-than-life trucks trundling from Jail Road or Karsaz towards NIPA or Safoora, the route gets a tad more intricate. The directive is to take a left turn from Tipu Sultan Road, which you’ll find adjacent to the National Stadium, onto Stadium Road. From there, your best bet is either Dalmia Road or that trusty service road we mentioned earlier, starting from Dawood University, to reach NIPA or Safoora. It’s a bit of a loop, a longer path, but designed to keep the main construction zones clear. And frankly, a necessary evil.

And for those coming in from New Town, aiming for NIPA or Safoora? The word on the street, or rather, from the traffic police, is to utilize the New Town service road. This will allow you to make a U-turn at the Old Sabzi Mandi signal, and then you can join the designated flow of traffic. It's all about navigating these little twists and turns, isn't it?

In truth, these changes, while a bit of a nuisance in the short term, are ultimately for the greater good. Imagine a Karachi with fewer bottlenecks, with more efficient flyovers and wider roads. It’s a dream we all share, even as we collectively groan at the current detours. So, do yourself a favor: check your maps, leave a little earlier, and maybe, just maybe, discover a new shortcut. Because, in Karachi, every commute is an adventure, especially on University Road.