Centre, Sindh on same page over Karachi Transformation Plan: Umar

Minister says federal govt will implement projects worth more than Rs700b

ISLAMABAD:

Planning Minister Asad Umar has said that there are no differences between the Centre and the Sindh government over Rs1.1 trillion Karachi Transformation Plan (KTP) and stressed that the federal share in the package amounted to more Rs700 billion.

Talking to The Express Tribune, the minister said that the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) Green Line project would be completed by mid-2021, while a consultant would be appointed by mid-December for the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR).

Umar made it clear that there were no differences between the federal government and the Sindh government on the Karachi Package. “There were just political statements about who has what share in the package,” he said.

“The federal government will carry out development projects worth more than Rs700 billion in Karachi. With the completion of these projects, the people of Karachi will have access to clean drinking water, and the city’s major problems, including transportation, will be solved,” he added.

The minister said that Centre will implement five major projects in the city, including BRT Green Line and the KCR, which would benefit up to 400,000 people. He added that Centre had also taken responsibility for the completing the mega water supply project, K-4.

Besides, the minister continued, those living around the drains would also be given alternative accommodation. “Work will start as soon as soon as the Sindh government clears the drains of Karachi,” the minister added.

“The Green Line BRT project will be completed by mid-2021, which will provide modern transport to thousands of Karachi residents. The appointment of a consultant for the KCR will be made by mid-December and after that the work on the project would be completed in the three years,” he said.