Two months to fix it: SHC orders govt to restore University Road

After years of traffic chaos, broken roads and daily commuter misery on Karachi's busiest corridor, the Sindh High Court on Thursday ordered the provincial government to make University Road fully operational within two months while declaring the sealing of machinery belonging to the BRT Red Line Lot 2 contractor illegal.

A two-member constitutional bench announced the verdict in a petition concerning the sealing of the contractor's office and machinery linked to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project.

In its ruling, the court observed that the residents were facing severe hardships because of the deteriorating condition of University Road and directed the Sindh government to ensure uninterrupted movement of both public and private transport on the route.

The bench stated that the provincial government could allocate or reallocate additional funds to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe. However, it made clear that construction activity for the BRT project should not disrupt traffic flow on University Road under any circumstances.

The court further observed that the BRT Red Line project was expected to become operational by October 2027.

According to the written order, if TransKarachi considers the machinery necessary under clauses 17, 18 and 19 of the agreement, it may retain possession of the machinery in accordance with the contract. However, the matter must be referred to the Dispute Resolution Board.

The court directed that if the board fails to issue a decision within 30 days, the machinery should be returned. It also noted that disputes related to the BRT Red Line agreement would be resolved through arbitration and the dispute resolution mechanism. The written judgment further stated that the Advocate General Sindh informed the court that out of the Rs16 billion project cost, Rs15 billion had already been paid. It was also submitted that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation had reclaimed the Aladdin Park land after expiry of the lease agreement.

The court ruled that the petitioner remained free to pursue legal remedies under the contract regarding termination of the agreement. Copies of the verdict were directed to be sent to the Chief Secretary Sindh and Secretary Local Government for implementation, while the contractor's petition was disposed of.

The contractor of BRT Red Line Lot 2 Amin Jan has called for the formation of a high-level commission and an investigation by the National Accountability Bureau, claiming that the real facts behind the stalled project must be brought before the public.

Speaking to reporters following proceedings at the court, he alleged that the project has been reduced to mere roadwork while the core Bus Rapid Transit system remains incomplete, warning that under the current pace the Red Line may not be completed even in the next 30 years.

He claimed that pressure from various quarters had initially raised hopes of resolving project issues but instead led to what he described as shifting of blame onto him, ultimately resulting in the termination of his contract.