KARACHI: The federal and Sindh governments have resolved their differences over the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) extension project after weeks of tension, calling the issue merely a “coordination problem.”
The matter arose after Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab ordered to suspend the Green Line extension work and the Sindh government asked the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) to limit its role in the project. However, both sides later reached an understanding.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Sindh Minister for Irrigation and Planning & Development Jam Khan Shoro visited the project site and announced that work on the second phase would resume soon.
Ahsan Iqbal said the project’s second phase — a 1.8-kilometre extension costing Rs5.5 billion — would be completed within a year. He said the construction would be carried out while ensuring the protection of Karachi’s heritage and infrastructure.
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During the visit, the ministers were briefed about Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC)’s concerns regarding service road diversions, drainage issues, relocation of a 12-inch water line, and old no-objection certificates (NOCs).
Speaking to the media, Ahsan Iqbal dismissed reports of conflict between Islamabad and Sindh, saying, “It was only a coordination issue. There is no dispute between the federal and provincial governments.”
He said the coalition government made decisions through consultation and mutual understanding. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a special development package for Karachi and Hyderabad,” he added.
Explaining PIDCL’s role, Mr Iqbal said it replaced the former Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD) and now handles federal development projects across the country.
He said Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had assured full cooperation and directed provincial officials to work closely with PIDCL to resolve technical matters like water lines, drainage, and footpath restoration.
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Ahsan Iqbal added that the first phase of the Green Line — launched by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif — cost Rs29 billion, while the second phase started under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He said three new stations would be built in the extension phase and promised that Karachi’s cultural identity would be preserved during construction. “We want to complete this project quickly to give Karachiites better transport facilities,” he said.
Sindh Minister Jam Khan Shoro also confirmed that all differences had been settled, saying the dispute was “only a coordination matter.” He said the KMC’s objections were related to drainage, water lines, and footpaths, as the project was working under a 2017 NOC.
“The chief minister and Ahsan Iqbal have discussed these issues. A focal person will be appointed to ensure coordination between the Sindh government and PIDCL,” Mr Shoro said. “Work on the project will restart soon.”
