Umar stresses need for KCR marketing

Directs railways ministry, PPP Authority to review progress every month

ISLAMABAD:

Karachi is in dire need of an efficient mass transportation system and Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) can play an important role in this regard, said Minister for Planning, development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar.

Chairing a meeting to review the present status of KCR project on Tuesday, he directed the departments concerned to initiate work on marketing the KCR project to woo private sector participants.

The minister directed the Ministry of Railways and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority to carry out monthly progress review of the work assigned to project consultants to ensure that tasks were completed on time.

On the occasion, the KCR project director briefed meeting participants about the progress on the project. He told the minister that the project was on track as per approved timelines.

SC orders KCR revival in 9 months

It was also highlighted that PC-Is of some underpasses and overheads along the KCR corridor were in final stages and work on a few of them was expected to start as early as next month.

Railways secretary informed the meeting participants that the consultants, who had been working on a feasibility study since January 2021, were expected to finish work by mid-June 2021.

After June 2021, the process for hiring private parties would commence, which would be completed by September 2021, he said.

MNA Najeeb Haroon, PPP Authority CEO and other senior officials participated in the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2021.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.