Work on BRT project progressing well despite challenges: Sharjeel

KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday said the work on Karachi’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project was progressing well despite challenges, as he visited the under-construction Red Line corridor and reviewed progress. Accompanied by senior officials including Transport Secretary Asad Zamin and TransKarachi CEO, Zubair Channa, Memon— holding portfolios of Information, Transport and Mass Transit — was briefed on developments in the project, which is considered a key component of the city’s mass transit system. Speaking to reporters, Sharjeel Inam Memon holding portfolios of Information, Transport and Mass Transit said decisions regarding the project were taken in accordance with the law and in the public interest. “There has been no negligence or malice on the part of the government, ” he said, adding that infrastructure challenges in Karachi particularly along busy arteries like University Road were complex due to the presence of multiple utility networks. He said coordination issues with utility providers, including K-Electric and Sui Southern Gas Company, had contributed to delays, prompting the provincial government to terminate the previous contract and hand it over to the Frontier Works Organization (FWO). Authorities were aiming to partially restore traffic flow by the end of July, he added, appealing to the public for patience as work continued. Memon said the Red Line BRT was a long-term project designed for future generations, stressing that road construction and supporting infrastructure were as important as introducing buses. Work on the Yellow Line BRT project was also underway, he noted. He dismissed criticism from political opponents, saying the government remained committed to completing the project. “Our job is to complete this project in any case, ” he said. Responding to a question on foreign relations, Memon described the recent visit of Asif Ali Zardari to China as “very successful, ” citing discussions on economic cooperation and mutual development, while criticising what he called speculative reporting. On legal challenges related to development projects, he said the government had fulfilled all legal and procedural requirements and would respect court decisions, but added that public welfare projects would continue. He also acknowledged issues related to water pipelines affecting construction and said instructions had been issued to the local water authority to resolve them on an urgent basis. The Senior Minister said rising fuel prices were increasing the cost of infrastructure projects nationwide but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing development in Karachi. He highlighted the Shahrah-e-Bhutto as a “game-changer” and invited critics, including former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, to review projects first hand. Despite challenges posed by the city’s large population and infrastructure constraints, Memon said development work was progressing rapidly, with the aim of improving transport and civic facilities for residents. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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