KMC to Spend Rs700m on Reviving Historic Karachi Markets

KARACHI — The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has launched a major development initiative worth more than Rs700 million to restore and upgrade the historic old city markets of Karachi, with Mayor Murtaza Wahab laying the foundation stone for the project on Sunday.

The comprehensive scheme aims to improve road infrastructure, overhaul the sewerage system and upgrade public facilities in some of the city’s oldest and busiest commercial districts. The project, which covers Jodia Bazaar, Bolton Market, Mithadar and Kharadar, is expected to be completed by June 30.

According to Mayor Wahab, the main development package will cost Rs595.6 million, while an additional Rs100 million has been earmarked for the restoration of the historic Lea Market building. The rehabilitation of Lea Market is planned to be completed within 90 days, in collaboration with local traders.

Under the infrastructure upgrade plan, approximately 400,000 square feet of paver blocks will be laid, and around 850,000 square feet of roads will be constructed across the targeted areas. A key component of the project is the revamping of the sewerage system, which has long posed challenges for traders and residents alike.

Project details reveal that more than 2,600 feet of new sewerage lines will be installed in Jodia Bazaar, while Bolton Market will receive over 4,000 feet of upgraded sewerage pipelines. Similarly, Mithadar and Kharadar will see the installation of 4,050 feet and 4,100 feet of new sewerage lines respectively, alongside extensive road reconstruction and paving work.

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Addressing the media, Mayor Wahab said that 2026 has been declared the year of completion for development projects in Karachi, with the revitalisation of the Old City area being a top priority. He stressed that all development work would be carried out transparently and called for improved coordination among municipal departments to ensure that newly constructed roads are not damaged by repeated digging.

The mayor also highlighted progress on other major civic initiatives. He said work on new water supply lines in Lyari is expected to be completed by June, while the K-IV Augmentation Project has been initiated with an estimated cost of Rs71 billion to lay new water pipelines across the city.

To address the issue of water theft, Mr Wahab announced the formal inauguration of a Water Tribunal following the completion of legislation and appointment of a judge, describing it as a crucial step toward resolving a long-standing urban problem.

He disclosed that the KMC plans to spend a total of Rs46 billion on development works across Karachi this year and urged opposition parties, including Jamaat-i-Islami, to play a constructive role in addressing the city’s infrastructure challenges.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, other elected representatives and local residents.