KARACHI: The Sindh Government has cancelled the construction contract for the delayed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project and plans to re-award it on an emergency basis, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon confirmed today.
The decision applies to the Mosamiyat–Numaish section of the project, which runs along the busy University Road in Karachi. The move comes after repeated delays by the contractor, despite multiple warnings and attempts by the government to resolve issues, including rate escalation concerns.
The BRT Red Line project, funded in part by the Asian Development Bank, has faced criticism over slow progress and environmental concerns. Officials said the contractor failed to meet deadlines, prompting authorities to terminate the agreement in order to speed up completion.
Sharjeel Memon stated that the remaining work will now be divided into smaller packages and awarded to multiple contractors to ensure faster progress. The government aims to minimize further delays and provide relief to commuters who continue to face daily traffic congestion and disruption along the route.
Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court heard a petition challenging the contract cancellation and the sealing of the contractor’s office. A bench headed by Justice Mohammad Saleem Jessar dismissed the plea seeking de-sealing of the site and directed the appointment of an observer to assess machinery present at the project location.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that authorities had overstepped their powers by sealing the office and highlighted financial disputes, including claims of Rs3.7 billion in additional expenses. However, the court issued notices to relevant parties, including TransKarachi and government officials, and adjourned the hearing until April 29.
The BRT Red Line project, spanning approximately 27 kilometres from Malir Halt to Numaish, was launched in 2017 with an initial cost of Rs79 billion, which has now escalated to over Rs103 billion due to delays, inflation, and logistical challenges.
Despite multiple revised deadlines, including a target of completion by 2026, the project continues to face setbacks. The latest decision is being seen as a critical step to accelerate construction and restore public confidence in Karachi’s mass transit development.
