Karachi transport projects get whopping Rs8b allocation
Passengers are stranded aboard a bus in Faisalabad amid a nationwide transporters’ strike. Transporters are protesting against massive tax increases. Photo: ONLINE
In a move to bolster transportation infrastructure, the Sindh government has earmarked substantial funds, totaling Rs8.05 billion, in the fiscal year 2023-24, for the development of transport and mass transit projects in the province. This includes Rs7 billion for 15 ongoing schemes and Rs1.49 billion for 27 new schemes.
As per the budget document, a sum of Rs580 million has been set aside for Karachi Orange Line, Rs4 billion for Karachi Red Line, and Rs40 million for Karachi Yellow Line.
Additionally, a significant amount of Rs1.15 billion has been earmarked in the development budget for the procurement of buses, with the aim of enhancing urban transportation services in various cities across the province.
Furthermore, a sum of Rs100 million has been allocated for the construction of flyovers and underpasses along the Karachi Circular Railway track, intending to improve connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion within the metropolitan city.
A sum of Rs4 billion has been set aside for the Red Line project, funded by the Asian Development Bank, in the provincial budget, bringing the total investment in this project to over Rs12 billion. Similarly, the Yellow Line project, funded by the World Bank, has received an allocation of Rs400 million and will witness a total investment of Rs5.25 billion from the Sindh government.
Moreover, Rs6 billion has been set aside for the construction of upper and underground passages along the Circular Railway track.
In addition to these initiatives, the Sindh government's development portfolio includes several public-private partnership projects valued at Rs487 million. Notably, projects worth Rs60 billion have been completed, while another Rs144 billion worth of projects are progressing at various stages. Currently, the bidding process is underway for projects worth a whopping Rs283 billion.
Overall, this substantial allocation of funds underscores the Sindh government's commitment to enhancing transport infrastructure and improving the overall quality of urban transportation services in Karachi and other cities across the province.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2023.