Karachi begins installing safety grilles on manholes 

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has launched a citywide initiative to install protective safety grilles inside manholes in an effort to prevent accidents, particularly incidents involving children falling into open drains. The project marks a significant step toward improving public safety and addressing one of the city’s long-standing civic concerns.

According to a spokesperson for the KMC, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced that the installation of protective grilles has officially begun. He expressed confidence that the new safety measures would significantly reduce the risk of children and pedestrians falling into manholes, especially during heavy rainfall or in areas where manhole covers are damaged or missing.

The mayor said the first phase of the project has started on Tariq Road, one of Karachi’s busiest commercial areas. Under the initiative, manholes will be fitted not only with standard covers but also with an additional protective steel grille beneath the lid. This secondary barrier is designed to prevent people from falling into the sewer system even if the outer cover is displaced or stolen.

Murtaza Wahab explained that the protective grilles are built to withstand a weight of up to 180 kilograms, making them durable enough to support pedestrians and reduce the chances of serious accidents. He noted that the enhanced design provides an extra layer of protection and is intended to improve safety for residents across the city.

The mayor further announced that the installation of manhole covers and safety grilles would gradually be expanded throughout Karachi. The city administration plans to equip manholes across different neighborhoods with the new safety system as part of a broader infrastructure improvement campaign.

Open or damaged manholes have long been a major public safety issue in Karachi, particularly during the monsoon season when floodwater often hides uncovered drains. Over the years, several tragic incidents have been reported in which children and pedestrians fell into open manholes, prompting repeated calls for stronger safety measures and better maintenance of the city’s drainage infrastructure.

To encourage public participation, the mayor urged citizens to report any uncovered or damaged manholes through the KMC’s helpline 1334. He said residents’ cooperation would help municipal authorities respond quickly and ensure that hazardous locations are repaired without unnecessary delay.

City officials believe that public reporting, combined with the installation of protective grilles, will improve the overall safety of roads and footpaths while reducing the likelihood of fatal accidents.

The initiative reflects the Karachi administration’s efforts to modernize civic infrastructure and address recurring urban safety challenges. Officials hope that the installation of durable manhole covers and protective grilles will provide long-term protection for pedestrians while improving confidence in the city’s municipal services.

As work continues, authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant, avoid tampering with public infrastructure, and promptly report any missing or damaged manhole covers so they can be replaced as quickly as possible. The project is expected to be implemented in phases across Karachi, with the goal of creating a safer environment for all residents.