K-Electric blamed for delay in Karachi's Red Line project

Utility providers have not taken adequate measures regarding the relocation of their services, minister noted

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The Sindh government has given all stakeholders a strict five-day deadline to resolve the obstacles hindering the Red Line BRT project.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh’s Senior Minister for Information, Sharjeel Inam Memon, where the ongoing issues affecting the project were reviewed.

During the meeting, Tariq Manzoor Sheikh, CEO of Trans Karachi, identified delays in infrastructure adjustments by the K-Electric and K-IV water supply project as major contributors to the project’s setbacks.

He noted that utility providers have not taken adequate measures regarding the relocation of their services.

The meeting also examined the delays caused by the relocation of utilities such as water supply lines, K-Electric, National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). Project contractors provided updates on the progress made so far.

Minister Sharjeel Memon instructed all stakeholders to expedite their efforts and resolve issues to ensure smooth and uninterrupted progress. He emphasised that any further delays in the Red Line BRT project were unacceptable.

To accelerate construction, the minister directed that work should proceed in three shifts—morning, evening, and night—24 hours a day. Additionally, he recommended contacting the Civil Aviation Authority for permission to begin work near the airport.

Minister Meman further highlighted that the Red Line BRT project is a flagship transportation initiative for Karachi, aiming to revolutionize the city’s transport system by providing a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly mass transit network. Once completed, the project is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters.

The meeting was attended by Secretary of Transport Asad Zamin, Chairman of Planning and Development Najam Shah, Commissioner of Karachi Hassan Naqvi, and CEO of Trans Karachi Tariq Manzoor Sheikh. Representatives from the Asian Development Bank, including Lloyd Wright, and international consultants participated online.