Work on Karachi’s Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has restarted, bringing some relief after months of delays, according to Beyond Time News.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed that construction on University Road is now back on track. He added that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has set a 90-day deadline to complete the mixed traffic corridor and drainage work.
FWO Steps In to Speed Up Work
The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has taken over work on the mixed traffic lanes of Red Line Lot 2. However, the main corridor contract for this section is still pending and has not yet been awarded.
This decision follows the cancellation of the previous contractor’s agreement due to slow progress and poor performance.
Concerns Over Quality and Delays
Earlier, a team from the Asian Development Bank raised concerns about construction quality, slow pace, and safety standards during a site visit. These concerns led authorities to take action and terminate the contract.
Officials have also started formal procedures to close the previous agreement, while the contractor’s office linked to the project was sealed.
Sindh says BRT Red Line project to complete by June 2026
Project Timeline Pushed Back
The Red Line BRT project began in 2022 and was expected to be completed by June 2024. However, repeated delays, financial disputes, and work stoppages pushed the project behind schedule.
The project is divided into two sections:
- Lot 1: Airport to Mosamiyat
- Lot 2: Mosamiyat to Numaish (most affected by delays)
Traffic Problems Continue
Karachi residents are still facing traffic congestion and road disruptions, especially along University Road. With work now resumed, authorities hope the project will move forward more smoothly and ease commuting issues in the coming months.
