Karachi Green Line Extension Project Set to Resume After Dispute Resolution
The Karachi Green Line extension project is set to resume its stalled second phase following a critical meeting between Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and officials from the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL). The discussions, held on Friday, successfully addressed key concerns raised by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), paving the way for the project’s revival.
A delegation, including PIDCL officials and federal government spokesperson for Sindh affairs Barrister Raja Khaliq uz Zaman Ansari, met the Mayor at his office. They briefed him on a revised plan designed to restart construction swiftly. Mayor Wahab affirmed that work on the Green Line extension project would recommence immediately, adhering to a stipulated timeframe.
Resolving Project Stalls
Work on the federally funded, multi-billion-rupee Green Line extension project had been halted by the KMC in September. This was due to PIDCL’s failure to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from municipal authorities before commencing work. The KMC, backed by the PPP-led Sindh government, had assertively challenged the federal government’s role in local urban development, advocating for municipal jurisdiction over such projects.
The recent dialogue proved productive, leading to a significant breakthrough. The PIDCL team assured Mayor Wahab that the remaining construction would be completed within one year. This commitment underscores a renewed focus on delivering vital infrastructure.
Revised Plans for the Green Line Extension
Officials at the meeting informed the Mayor about a crucial expansion in the revised design for the Green Line extension project. The 1.8-kilometre stretch from Numaish Chowrangi to Municipal Park (Jamia Cloth) will now feature three new bus stations, significantly enhancing connectivity in the area. SindhNews.com has been following this development closely.
This extension phase, located on main M.A. Jinnah Road, will also incorporate a Traffic Signal Priority (TSP) system exclusively for the BRT service. The TSP system adjusts traffic lights to favor public transport, reducing delays and improving service reliability for commuters. The decision to include these additional stations has been finalized, aiming for greater public benefit.
Background and Future Impact
The Green Line project, initially launched in February 2016 by then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was conceived with an estimated cost of Rs 16.85 billion and a one-year completion target. However, it was only partially completed in January 2022, nearly six years later, with costs escalating to Rs 35 billion. The first phase currently connects Surjani Town to Numaish, with the second extending to Municipal Park.
Despite the delays, the Green Line has seen a positive public response, transporting approximately six million citizens on its 80 buses during its initial six months of service. Currently, the Green Line serves about 80,000 passengers daily. Officials anticipate this number could rise to 135,000 daily once the extension is complete. Operational control of the Green and Orange Lines was officially transferred to the Sindh government in March 2025.
Conclusion
The resolution of disputes over the Green Line extension project marks a critical milestone for Karachi’s urban transport infrastructure. The resumption of work promises to expand vital connectivity and alleviate the city’s long-standing public transport challenges, positively impacting thousands of daily commuters.