Sharjeel Memon addresses Sindh Assembly session amid opposition questioning

Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, addressing the provincial assembly, attributed the significant delays in Karachi’s Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project to economic pressures and logistical challenges, while insisting there was no mal-intent on the part of the government.

Memon detailed that the rising value of the US dollar had severely inflated the project’s costs. He explained that the original contractors demanded price hikes in line with the currency’s appreciation, prompting the provincial government to take action. To safeguard public funds, the decision was made to terminate the existing contract.

Following the contract’s cancellation, the minister announced that the government has now approached the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to move the project forward. He also cited a lack of cooperation from the federal government and persistent difficulties in shifting utility infrastructure as other major impediments to the project’s progress.

Despite the setbacks, Memon offered a positive update, announcing that a key section, Sharea Bhutto, will be inaugurated and opened to traffic on May 22. He noted that this particular road did not face the same utility line issues that have stalled work elsewhere. The minister also reiterated that the revamped project will feature electric buses instead of the initially planned gas-powered vehicles.