PTBP Web Desk

The federal government will transfer the operational control of the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to the Sindh government in December 2024, as the provincial government has completed all preparations to take over Karachi’s first dedicated bus rapid transit project.

The Green Line BRT, which has been serving commuters since December 2021, currently operates 80 buses and has an average daily ridership of 55,000 passengers along a 20.9-kilometer route. Despite being operational, the project is still incomplete due to the halted construction of its final phase.

The project’s first phase took almost six years to complete and became fully functional in 2021. However, the construction of the last segment—from Numaish to Municipal Park near Jama Cloth Market—was left unfinished after the federal government canceled its contract with the National Logistics Cell (NLC) in late 2020. This cancellation left the final phase in limbo, but efforts are now being made to address these gaps and improve Karachi’s public transportation infrastructure.

In a high-level meeting held in Karachi, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon chaired discussions on the future of the Green Line BRT project. Attendees included key officials such as Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Hakeem Dayo, and Trans Karachi CEO Shumaila Mohsin, among others.

During the meeting, the current operations and future of the Green Line BRT were thoroughly reviewed. Memon was briefed comprehensively on the project’s performance, its current state, and plans for future expansion. One of the major topics discussed was the plan to connect the Green Line with the Orange Line BRT project, another important part of Karachi’s broader mass transit system.

Memon emphasized the importance of quickly completing the work needed to link the Green Line to the Orange Line, which would create a more cohesive and efficient public transportation network for Karachi residents. The Sindh government aims to finish this connection before the Green Line is officially transferred from federal control in December 2024.

The Green Line BRT project is widely regarded as a critical element in Karachi’s public transport system. Currently, it operates 80 buses, serving a route that stretches nearly 21 kilometers and accommodates approximately 55,000 passengers daily. With the Sindh government taking charge of the project, the aim is to further enhance its capacity and quality.

Memon noted that the Sindh government is committed to improving the efficiency of the Green Line service by adding more buses and extending its operational capacity. This is in line with the provincial government’s broader efforts to upgrade Karachi’s public transportation, which has long been plagued by inefficiencies and insufficient services.

The Green Line’s connection with the Orange Line BRT, once completed, will significantly enhance the city’s transit capabilities. The integrated system is expected to reduce travel times and improve the overall commuting experience for the city’s millions of residents, making public transport a more viable option for daily commutes.

Currently, the Green Line BRT project receives an annual federal subsidy of 2 billion rupees to support its operations. This subsidy has been essential in ensuring the smooth running of the service, including the maintenance of buses and other operational costs. However, once the project is fully transferred to the Sindh government, this subsidy will be reviewed by provincial authorities, who will take full responsibility for its operations.

Memon confirmed during the meeting that the Sindh government will assess the need for further financial support and adjust the operational framework to ensure the Green Line continues to run efficiently after the transition. The provincial government is also expected to introduce additional buses to meet the growing demand for public transport in Karachi.

While the Green Line BRT has been a significant step forward for Karachi’s public transportation system, the project has faced numerous challenges over the years, including delays in construction, funding issues, and coordination problems between federal and provincial authorities. The halted final phase of the project, from Numaish to Municipal Park, is one of the most pressing issues. Construction on this segment was abandoned in late 2020 after the federal government canceled its contract with the NLC.

The Sindh government’s plan to connect the Green Line to the Orange Line and enhance the project’s capacity by introducing additional buses aims to address these challenges and ensure the service meets the needs of Karachi’s growing population.

The successful transfer of the Green Line BRT to the Sindh government marks a major milestone in the development of Karachi’s public transport infrastructure. The Green Line, when fully operational and linked to the Orange Line, will provide a comprehensive, integrated transit system that will improve mobility across the city.

For years, Karachi’s public transportation system has struggled to keep pace with the city’s population growth and urban expansion. The completion and expansion of projects like the Green Line and Orange Line are critical in addressing these challenges. Additionally, with the provincial government taking a more active role in managing public transport, there is hope for a more streamlined and efficient service that caters to the needs of the people.