Work on Green Line extension project resumes in Karachi

1.8km track from Numaish Chowrangi to Jama Cloth Market to be completed by October 31, 2026

The work on the Green Line BRT extension — part of Karachi’s modern transport system — has resumed. The extension track spans 1.8km from Numaish Chowrangi to Jama Cloth Market. Once completed, citizens will be able to travel comfortably from Surjani Town to Jama Cloth.

Leaders of the PML-N, PPP and MQM-Pakistan have pledged to work together for Karachi’s development. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said, Pakistan Infrastructure Development Co Ltd (PIDCL) has promised to complete and open the Green Line extension for the public by October 31, 2026.

He said the objections raised earlier were only to ensure corrections and improvements. He expressed these views during a press conference on MA Jinnah Road with federal government spokesperson Raja Khaleeq-uz-Zaman Ansari, MNAs Aminul Haq, Ali Khurshidi, Dr Arshad Vohra and others.

The mayor said the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation was not initially taken into confidence regarding the extension. “Our position was that drainage and sewerage issues must be resolved first. We support Karachi’s development,” he said. He added that mass transit should ultimately benefit ordinary citizens, noting that challenges had also arisen earlier from Surjani to Numaish.

Wahab thanked the prime minister for releasing funds for the BRT. “After the rains, the city faced major problems, which is why we insisted that drainage and sewerage issues be addressed before proceeding, and that the project must be completed within the stipulated time. The city cannot be dug up and abandoned, leaving people distressed.”

Also Read: Special cell set up in Rawalpindi to resolve property disputes

Quoting Quaid-e-Azam, he said that “If everyone works together for the city’s progress, no force can stop them.” He added that blame for everything is often placed on the mayor, and Article 140-A should not be dragged into this construction issue. “Whoever the mayor is, he is the mayor of Karachi. We cannot have separate systems for Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar.”

Federal government spokesperson Raja Khaleeq-uz-Zaman Ansari said there is no political conflict between the Karachi mayor and the federal government over the Green Line project. “The mayor’s concerns were valid. During development works, it is essential to address issues of adjoining roads, footpaths, sewerage and street lights.” He added that the prime minister is generous and there is ‘no fight’ for Karachi’s funds.

Ansari said 80,000 passengers travel daily on the Green Line BRT. The prime minister ordered the resumption of the extension work. “In fact, this is not just an extension but a full project of its own.” He said the mayor halted the work due to traffic, road and sewerage issues, but these concerns have now been resolved and work has started.

MNA Aminul Haq said, PIDCL has carried out additional work as well. “With the progress of Karachi, Sindh and Pakistan will progress.” More funds are expected for PIDCL, which will support further development work in the city. “Karachi needs more development projects, and we must work together for the city’s growth. When Karachiites unite for constructive work, no force can stop the city’s development.”

He said, required financing for the Green Line extension is available. “It was due to MQM’s efforts that the Green Line bus service project began for Karachi residents.” He added that PIDCL is a federal entity and no one should worry about that. MQM’s clear policy is that the mayors of Lahore and Larkana should also be given powers. MNA said, with federal support, a Rs1.6 billion flyover in Orangi Town is being launched.