Karachi – The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has started a major cleanup and upgrade of the city’s historic Old City markets with a funding of over Rs700 million. Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab laid the foundation stone for the work on Sunday, signaling the beginning of large-scale improvements in this centuries-old commercial heart of the city.
The biggest chunk of the budget, Rs595.6 million, will go toward upgrading four key markets: Jodia Bazaar, Bolton Market, Mithadar, and Kharadar. These areas, part of Karachi’s original core, are famous for wholesale trade in textiles, groceries, and other goods, but have faced years of wear and tear from heavy use.
Separately, Rs100 million has been reserved for the restoration of the historic Lea Market building. Officials expect this work to finish in about 90 days, working closely with local traders to keep the market running during repairs.
Key Improvements Planned
The project covers several practical upgrades:
- Installation of around 400,000 square feet of paver blocks for better walkways.
- Construction and repair of roughly 850,000 square feet of roads.
- Complete overhaul of the sewerage system with new pipelines in all four markets — including 2,600 feet in Jodia Bazaar, over 4,000 feet in Bolton Market, 4,050 feet in Mithadar, and 4,100 feet in Kharadar.
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Mayor Wahab described 2026 as the “year of completion” for important municipal works across Karachi. He promised that the projects would be carried out openly and on time. He also called for close teamwork between different government departments so that fresh roads do not get dug up again soon after completion.
