CM asks contractors to increase manpower for ‘timely completion’ of Karachi’s Red Line project
KARACHI: Amid growing criticism over Karachi’s worsening infrastructure and traffic woes, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has stepped up personal oversight of key development projects, making his fifth consecutive Sunday visit to review progress on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line and newly opened Shahrah-i-Bhutto while announcing June 15 to open Azeempura Flyover.
During his visit to different sites, the CM ordered round-the-clock police patrolling, a ban on motorcycles and activation of the e-challan system on Shahrah-i-Bhutto.
Accompanied by Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Commissioner of Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan, senior officials, the CM visited the BRT Red Line project and expressed satisfaction over the visible progress.
The chief minister started his inspection from Dawood University roundabout and travelled up to Safoora Chowrangi.
During the visit, Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon and TransKarachi CEO Zubair Channa briefed the chief minister on the progress achieved on the BRT Red Line project from Numaish to Mosamiyat.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Shah said the Red Line project was one of the most important urban transport initiatives for Karachi and directed all executing agencies and contractors to maintain momentum and ensure the timely completion of works.
“We are personally monitoring the project every Sunday because Karachiites deserve a modern, efficient and environment-friendly transport system,” he said.
Mr Shah directed contractors to increase manpower and machinery wherever required and instructed all utility agencies to coordinate closely with TransKarachi and FWO so that relocation work could be completed without causing unnecessary delays. The chief minister also stressed the need for better traffic management and public facilitation during construction activities. He directed officials to minimise inconvenience to commuters and ensure proper safety measures at all active work sites.
He also visited the Azeempura Flyover construction site and said that it would be opened on June 15.
The CM was told that the flyover is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity from Azeempura to the Malir Halt-Korangi Road corridor, reducing pressure on Sharea Faisal and adjoining roads.
The CM also visited Shahrah-i-Bhutto to review security and traffic management arrangements. He directed the Additional IG Karachi to establish police check posts at every interchange on Shahrah-i-Bhutto.
Mr Shah further ordered the immediate activation of the e-challan system, implementation of 100km per hour speed limit and seat-belt laws and warned that wrong-way driving would not be tolerated.