Karachi Red Line BRT Lot 2 contract terminated over delays, poor performance
Authorities have terminated the contract for Karachi Red Line BRT Lot 2 after TransKarachi cited persistent delays and poor performance. The ADB had also raised concerns over work quality and compliance issues.
KARACHI: Authorities have terminated the contract for Lot 2 of Karachi’s Bus Rapid Transit Red Line project, which covers the Mosamiyat-to-Numaish corridor, after what TransKarachi described as persistent delays and unsatisfactory performance by the contractor.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, TransKarachi said the move came after concerns were raised by a delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) during a recent visit to the project site. According to the statement, the delegation questioned both the pace and quality of work being carried out by the contractor.
The statement added that the ADB team also voiced reservations about compliance with health, safety and environmental requirements on the project.
TransKarachi said work on Lot 2 had failed to meet the required standards and that formal proceedings were under way to complete the termination of the agreement.
Separately, district authorities sealed the contractor’s office associated with Lot 2. Police said they had been directed to seal and secure the office.
Sources said the ADB delegation had expressed displeasure over the contractor’s performance during its visit last week, which was followed by the government’s action.
Project timeline and troubled section
The Red Line BRT project was launched in 2022 and was originally given a 30-month completion period. It had been scheduled for completion by June 2024. However, the project remains unfinished in 2026 after repeated extensions, and no clear completion date has been announced.
The scheme has been divided into two main sections. Lot 1 runs from Airport signal to Mosamiyat, while Lot 2 extends from Mosamiyat to Numaish.
Lot 2, the larger of the two sections, has faced recurring problems over the years. Construction on this stretch remained suspended for several months last year because of financial disputes between the contractor and the authorities. The matter eventually led to court intervention before payments were cleared.
The prolonged delays have continued to affect commuters in Karachi, with residents facing traffic congestion and disruption on roads linked to the stalled work.
“The decision followed concerns raised by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) delegation over the contractor’s pace and quality of work during a recent visit”, read the statement.
“The ADB delegation also expressed reservations regarding health, safety and environmental compliance on the project.”, the statement added.
The latest development marks a significant setback for the already delayed transport project, particularly on the Mosamiyat-to-Numaish section, where work has repeatedly run into difficulties.