KARACHI: The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has recommenced construction activities on the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project’s Lot 2 along University Road, Karachi’s Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced on Sunday.
Wahab explained that the Sindh government’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has established a 90-day deadline for finishing the work on the mixed traffic lanes and drainage systems.“Work on University Road has now resumed today with the involvement of FWO,” Wahab shared via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He further stated that the provincial administration aims to complete the corridor and drainage work within the upcoming three months.
According to sources, the responsibility for the mixed traffic lanes of Lot 2 has been handed over to FWO, although the main contract for the corridor from Mosamiyat to Numaish remains unawarded to any contractor.This development follows the recent cancellation of the contract for Lot 2, which encompasses the Mosamiyat-Numaish section, due to ongoing delays and unsatisfactory contractor performance. Authorities cited concerns raised by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) delegation during their recent visit, which included issues related to pace, quality, health, safety, and environmental standards.
Officials indicated that the delays and poor performance of the contractor prompted formal steps towards contract termination. Additionally, authorities sealed the contractor’s office associated with Lot 2 to prevent further issues.
Sources revealed that the ADB’s dissatisfaction during its visit last week significantly contributed to the decision to terminate the contract. The construction work on Lot 2, which is the larger and more problematic segment of the project, has faced multiple setbacks, including extended suspensions last year due to financial disputes requiring court intervention for payment clearance.
Initially launched in 2022 with a planned 30-month timeline, the Red Line project was scheduled for completion by June 2024. However, repeated delays have pushed the project beyond its original deadline.The project has been divided into two sections: Lot 1, from the Airport signal to Mosamiyat, and Lot 2, from Mosamiyat to Numaish. The latter has experienced significant execution challenges.
Meanwhile, residents of Karachi continue to endure disrupted traffic routes and increased congestion due to the stalled progress of the project.
