Sindh

Groundbreaking ceremony delayed: Green Line BRT stuck on the red light

Officials claim construction work for the project has already begun

Oonib Azam February 02, 2016

Officials claim construction work for the project has already begun . PHOTO: APP

KARACHI:

The groundbreaking ceremony of the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which was supposed to take place in mid-January, has been delayed further. However, officials claim the construction work on ground has been initiated.

The funds for the project have been approved and consultants have completed their homework for Karachi's very own metro bus service that will breeze through Surjani Town and all the way to Guru Mandir.

Whose line is it anyway?

Not only will modern buses be introduced through the Green Line project for the public-transport-starved city, but segregated lanes for these buses will also be made for commuters to cover the distance in a short span of time. The project, which is estimated to cost Rs16 billion, is being funded by the federal government. The funds were announced in the budget for the financial year 2015-2016. Out of the 17.8 kilometre (km) stretch of the Green Line BRT, 9.92km will be elevated and 7.88km will be on ground. There will be a total of 21 stations along its route.

Karachi Infrastructure Development Company Limited (KIDCL) chief financial officer Bilal Memon announced last year that the project will formally kick-off in mid-January and the infrastructure will be completed by the end of 2016. However, according to sources, work on the project has not yet started because Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is not available for the inauguration ceremony.

KIDCL has been formed by the federal government specifically to handle the project. Memon had also said last year that the BRT project will become operational by June 2017, as the infrastructure will be handed over to Sindh government once construction is complete.

Experts believe Green Line just another gimmick of Sindh govt

As of today, Memon insisted that work on the ground has begun and a camp office has also been established at Nazimabad Chowrangi. He said that the PM, or any of his nominees from the federal government, will inaugurate the groundbreaking ceremony this month.

Memon said the test piling at Guru Mandir and at various intersections for the flyovers has also been started. "The shifting of waterlines at KDA Chowrangi is also under way, which will take a month or two," he added.

Meanwhile, EA consultancy firm's Tahir Soomro insisted the construction work is proceeding as planned. "However, the PM's arrival is very important," he said, adding that they have to give briefing to the PM regarding the stations, as he has keen interest in their designs and only he will approve it.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2016.

COMMENTS (2)

Rollin & Trollin | 8 years ago | Reply Where NS studied they learned "power of delegation" : the delegation being his own family members. But, at least, Mr Sharif has the guts to turn up for each and every such event, no matter how trivial. On the other hand, our good pal, Mr Zardari, would be hiding in a vault most of the time out of fear !

Ussama Yaqub | 8 years ago | Reply “However, the PM’s arrival is very important,” he said, adding that they have to give briefing to the PM regarding the stations, as he has keen interest in their designs and only he will approve it. This statement alone is sufficient to describe the Sharif way of governance! They haven't heard of the term nor do they believe in delegation of power! Useful concept for management though. Usually taught to first year MBA, new first time managers!

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