Banaras Flyover

Banaras Flyover بنارس سر پل‬
Location
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Coordinates	25.506149°N 82.8067108°E / 25.506149; 82.8067108
Roads at junction	North Nazimabad Sajidabad
Construction
Type	Flyover
Lanes	2 one-way traffic
Constructed	by Kainatt Enterprises (PVT) Ltd
Opened	2012

The Banaras Flyover is the largest flyover[1] in Karachi, Pakistan and made due to the deadliest riot in the history of Pakistan, the Qasba Aligarh massacre. Spanning nearly two kilometers in length and 24 meters in width,[2] it is one of the city's most significant and longest infrastructural projects. The flyover connects North Nazimabad to Sajidabad and Orangi Town, alleviating traffic congestion in one of Karachi's busiest areas. Officially inaugurated in 2012,[3][4] the flyover had partial access during its construction phase prior to the official opening.^[citation needed]

Constructed at an estimated cost of approximately PKR 1 billion,[5] the Banaras Flyover involved extensive use of heavy machinery, impacting the surrounding areas, including the destruction of local road gutters and drainage systems. The project aimed to improve traffic flow, reduce commute times, and enhance connectivity between the adjoining neighborhoods.^[citation needed]

The flyover passes over Bacha Khan Chowk, a historically significant intersection named after Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan), a prominent Pashtun leader and advocate of non-violence. Before the flyover's construction, Bacha Khan Chowk was a vibrant public space, often used for political rallies and community gatherings. However, the construction of the flyover has overshadowed this area, transforming the space beneath it into an underutilized and poorly maintained environment.[6]

Although officially referred to as the Banaras Flyover, the project has been a subject of political contention. The Awami National Party (ANP), with a stronghold in the area, pushed for naming the flyover after Bacha Khan to honor his legacy. Despite these efforts, the official name remains tied to Banaras Colony, the neighborhood primarily served by the flyover.[6]

References

1. on No 1, Banaras Flyover. "Karachi Metropolitan Corporation". KMC.
2. Banaras flyover to be ready by Aug, KARACHI (15 April 2009). "KARACHI, April 14 The City District Government Karachi has completed 40 per cent of the development work on the under-construction Banaras Chowk flyover, and CDGK officials say it will be completed within the next four months". Dawn News. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
3. News International, Dawn. "Work on Banaras flyover completed". Dawn News.
4. News International, Dawn. "KARACHI, April 14 The City District Government Karachi has completed 40 per cent of the development work on the under-construction Banaras Chowk flyover, and CDGK officials say it will be completed within the next four months". Dawn News. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
5. (PVT) LTD, KAINATT ENTERPRISES. "This Project is constructed at banaras Chock. it is junction of three towns' i.e SITE town, North nazimabad and orangi town. Trafic at Banaras chock always remained chocked before construction of flyover resulting in wastage of fuel,time & energy. After completion of flyover, there is no traffic congestion.the project has been completed as per schedule". KAINATT ENTERPRISES. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
6. People want it named after the Bacha Khan Chowk it has virtually destroyed., What’s in a name? Everything, says this neighbourhood for new Banaras flyover (12 January 2012). "At almost two kilometres, 'Banaras flyover' may be Karachi's longest yet but for many people in the neighbourhood, it will be its name and not its utility that will matter in the end". Tribune. The Express Tribune. Retrieved 27 December 2024.