The hinterland served by the port embraces the whole of Sind, Baluchistan, Afghanistan, Punjab and expanding areas in the United Provinces and Rajputana; in addition it handles goods for Persia and Central Asia. It is dependent primarily upon the North Western railway, but is also linked, through Hyderabad, with the metre-gauge railway serving Rajputana. The greatest single stimulus to the growth of modern Karachi has certainly been the expansion of irrigation colonies in Punjab, devoted pri marily to raising wheat largely for European consumption, but also yielding increasing quantities of cotton acceptable to Western markets. The aggregate value of the trade of the port in 1926-27 was 7,543 lakhs of rupees, but like its predecessor, this year was on the whole a disappointing one for India's overseas trade, the figure given representing a decrease on 1924-25 of 31%. Karachi handles over 95% of the total quantity of wheat and rapeseed respectively shipped by India, and usually over two-thirds of the gram. In terms of value, raw cotton is easily its main export; it accounted for 55% of all items in 1926-27 and 63% in 1925-26. It is significant as indicating present tendencies, that last year Karachi registered large increases in the receipt of bales from both the United Provinces and Rajputana at the expense of Bombay. Hides, skins, and raw wool are other characteristic ex
ports. The principal imports in order of value are cotton manu factures, sugar, iron and steel goods.
At present Karachi harbour has a depth of 29 ft. It provides 8,600 ft. of wharfage embracing 17 berths in line, and moorings for 20 ocean steamers ; this excludes wharfage for coasting steam ers and country craft, respectively, and a bulk oil pier. The ex tension of irrigation under the Sukkur barrage and Sutlej valley schemes (see INDIAN DESERT) will increase demand on Karachi. The Port Trust is preparing to meet this. Under the "West Wharfage Scheme" the construction of six new berths, begun at the end of 1923, is proceeding at a pace which promises the completion of all by the close of 1931. Plans exist to furnish ten more thereafter, as required. In addition the existing ship channel is to be widened from 600 ft. to 1,200 ft. and deepened to take vessels drawing 32 ft. at any state of tide. The city is also doubling its water-supply. (A. V. W.)