The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study on city’s transport system would ensure improvements in transport facilities besides providing atmosphere for foreign investment in the neglected transport sector, said Sindh Local Government Minister Agha Siraj Durrani.
He was addressing participants at a seminar titled ‘Karachi Transportation Master Plan 2030’ jointly organised on Thursday by JICA and City District Government Karachi (CDGK). Karachi Administrator Mohammad Hussain Syed, JICA representative Minoru Shibuya and Karachi Mass Transit Cell (KMTC) Project Director Rasheed Mughal also attended the conference. Durrani said the Japanese government is investing in various projects intended to improve the living standards of citizens.
“Japanese technology has provided sustainable benefits on a local level to the people of our country.” Praising the survey report aiming to improve the transport system in the city, the minister said that Karachi had been facing transport problems for a long time due to regular increase in population. He hoped that the transport plan for Karachi worked out by the Japanene government would not only pave way for more investment in the sector but also provide better travelling facilities for the people.
Speaking on the occasion, Administrator Syed said the city presently needs improvement in its transport system. “New buses will soon ply on the two corridors of Karachi under the Bus Rapid Transport System,” he announced. The federal government has already slashed sales tax on CNG buses that would bring a huge difference in the cost of buses and also ensure better facilities for people, he added. “The study on the improvement of transport system in Karachi would be completed by June next year.”
Syed said at present 20 million citizens are deprived of better transport facilities and local and foreign investors should avail this opportunity and invest in mega transport projects. “We will provide them all possible facilities.” The city administrator also thanked the Japanese government for cooperation in the improvement of Karachi’s transport system.