Red Line BRT: New contractor, same uncertainty?

The Sindh government has launched a renewed effort to accelerate work on the long-delayed Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, handing over construction responsibilities to the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) with a 90-day completion target for key components.

According to officials, construction has restarted on previously stalled sections following directives from Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The move comes after the office of the previous contractor was sealed, prompting an emergency transfer of the project to FWO.

The government has instructed authorities to complete the mixed-traffic corridor and drainage system within three months in an effort to reduce prolonged inconvenience faced by residents. Work is expected to continue even during Eid holidays to meet the deadline.

Officials said priority is being given to critical stretches, particularly the corridor from Numaish to Mosamiyat, where infrastructure such as water pipelines, drainage lines, and service roads is under development. These areas have remained heavily disrupted for commuters due to ongoing construction.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed on social media that FWO had resumed work on University Road, adding that the chief minister has directed swift completion of both the mixed-traffic corridor and drainage system within 90 days.

During a site visit, Chief Minister Shah acknowledged delays in the project and apologised to citizens for the prolonged inconvenience. He said the 12-kilometre mixed-traffic lanes would be restored within the set timeframe, stressing that easing public hardship remains a key priority.

He further announced that the tender for the main corridor of Lot II would be reissued and confirmed that discussions with FWO leadership had taken place, with assurances that full-scale construction would resume within days.

Launched in 2022 at an estimated cost of Rs77–80 billion, the Red Line BRT project has now exceeded Rs103 billion due to delays and revisions. Progress has been slowed by disputes between the government and the previous contractor over funding and execution issues.

The prolonged construction has significantly disrupted traffic flow in Karachi, particularly along University Road, drawing frequent public criticism over delays and rising costs.