Senior Sindh Minister and Provincial Minister for Transport, Sharjeel Inam Memon, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing major development projects in Karachi, stating that work on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system—particularly the Red Line—will continue without interruption, even in the face of court orders.
Speaking to the media after reviewing ongoing work during a visit to the BRT Red Line project, Memon described Shahrah-e-Bhutto as a “game-changer” for Karachi and emphasized that tough decisions have been made to accelerate development across the city. He noted that construction on both Lot 1 and Lot 2 of the Red Line is progressing rapidly, and the involvement of the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) has further improved the pace of work.
The minister acknowledged that citizens are facing difficulties due to ongoing construction activities. However, he stressed that such challenges are inevitable in large-scale urban infrastructure projects. Relocating essential utilities such as gas, electricity, and water lines is a complex and time-consuming process, particularly in a densely populated city like Karachi.
To provide some relief to commuters, Memon stated that efforts are being made to open at least the mixed-traffic lanes by the end of July. This interim measure is aimed at easing traffic congestion while construction continues on dedicated BRT corridors.
Highlighting the long-term vision behind the project, Memon said the Red Line is not merely about introducing buses but is being developed as a sustainable transport system designed to meet the city’s needs for the next 100 years. He pointed out that while it would have been easier to simply import buses, building a durable and efficient transport infrastructure requires significant groundwork, including road construction and system integration.
He also mentioned that work is ongoing on other BRT خطوط, including the Orange and Yellow Lines, indicating that the government is pursuing a comprehensive urban transport strategy for Karachi. According to him, projects like Shahrah-e-Bhutto will play a transformative role in improving connectivity and reducing travel time across the city.
Addressing a question regarding legal challenges, Memon maintained that while the government respects the judiciary, the BRT project will not be halted. He stated that all relevant matters will be presented before the courts and expressed confidence that justice will prevail. At the same time, he made it clear that the development work will continue “non-stop,” even if it leads to contempt of court proceedings, adding that the government would face such consequences if necessary but would not suspend the project.
His remarks reflect the سندھ حکومت’s determination to push forward with critical infrastructure initiatives despite legal and logistical hurdles. As Karachi continues to grapple with traffic congestion and inadequate public transport, the successful completion of the BRT system is seen as a key step toward modernizing the city’s transit network and improving the daily lives of millions of residents.
