Karachi (HRNW)— Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah paid a surprise visit to Karachi to review progress on the BRT Red Line project from Malir Cantt to Numaish, describing it as a strategic and transformative public transport initiative of the Sindh government.
During the visit, the Chief Minister stated that development projects will bring a major economic and social transformation to Karachi, emphasizing that the BRT Red Line aims to provide fast, safe, modern, and environmentally friendly transport facilities to citizens.
“There will be no compromise on the quality of development projects,” Murad Ali Shah said, adding that the Pakistan Peoples Party has fulfilled its promise of safe, efficient, and dignified public transport for every resident of Karachi.
He highlighted that the project includes flyovers, underpasses, modern bus stations, service roads, drainage systems, and landscaping, calling each component “a gift for the public.” According to him, the project will significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility, and revolutionize daily urban life.
Project Briefing and Progress
Officials briefed the Chief Minister that the BRT Red Line corridor consists of two lots:
- Lot One: Numaish/Meteorological Department to Malir Halt (9.65 km)
- Lot Two: 12.85 km long
Lot One includes seven modern bus stations:
Kings Cottage, Safora, Race Course, Malir Cantt, Tank Chowk, Model Colony, and Tipu Sultan Station (added as an additional facility).
The project also comprises:
- Three underpasses: Hydrant, Tipu Sultan, and Safora
- Two flyovers: Kings Cottage Flyover and Safora Flyover (Leg 1 & 2)
- Two bus depots: Malir Halt Depot and Meteorological Department / Bagh-e-Karachi Depot
The total cost of Lot One exceeds PKR 13.79 billion, with:
- Phase One (construction): PKR 12.81 billion
- Phase Two (long-term maintenance): PKR 970 million
Construction progress includes:
- Kings Cottage Flyover: 50% complete
- Safora Flyover: 60% complete
- Tipu Sultan Underpass: Completed
- Hydrant Underpass: 77% complete
- BRT rigid pavement: 65–95% complete at various locations
Overall project completion currently stands at 36.01%.
Officials cited heavy rains, utility relocation issues, design changes, and site unavailability from Tank Chowk to Airport Signal as reasons for delays. The Chief Minister directed authorities to accelerate work, minimize public inconvenience, address concerns of local communities and traders, and use technology and smart management systems to enhance efficiency.
🤍 Human Rights & Urban Mobility Perspective (HRNW)
Access to safe, affordable, and efficient public transportation is a fundamental urban human rights issue, directly linked to economic opportunity, environmental justice, and social inclusion.
Human Rights Network Worldwide (HRNW) advocates for:
- Equitable urban development
- Environment-friendly infrastructure
- Protection of community rights during mega projects
- Sustainable and inclusive city planning
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