Karachi Port Trust requests 600 acres of land for truck terminal to ease traffic congestion in Karachi

Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has requested the Sindh government to allocate 600 acres of land along the Northern Bypass for the establishment of a truck terminal, aiming to ease traffic congestion caused by heavy vehicles around the port area. 

This proposal was discussed during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs, chaired by MNA Abdul Qadir Patel.

KPT Chairman, during the meeting, addressed concerns raised by committee members about severe traffic congestion in Maripur Road and Kemari areas, caused by dumpers and trawlers transporting consignments for nationwide distribution. 

He stated that, while KPT owns land within the port area, it is already allocated for another terminal project. However, the proposed terminal along the Northern Bypass would help in managing the truck traffic more effectively.

Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry supported this view, noting that building a terminal outside the city would reduce the burden on urban roads. 

KPT’s plan involves issuing slips for trucks to enter the city only when their consignments are ready for transportation. Later, e-tags will be introduced to streamline the process. 

The Chairman emphasized that if the Sindh government allocates the land, the terminal could be operational within two months.

The committee also addressed several other issues related to KPT, including encroachments on port land and the ongoing legal and out-of-court measures being taken to resolve them. A proposal to include a representative of Sindh Rangers in the committee overseeing encroachments was also discussed.

Further, the committee reviewed the proposed Environmentally Sound Management of Inventory of Hazardous Materials in Ships Bill, 2025, focusing on the need for clearer definitions and compliance with international commitments. A report on the bill’s consultation with provinces will be presented at the next meeting.

The committee also resolved to summon the Commissioner of Karachi to report on the traffic congestion issue and the status of the proposed terminal project.