KARACHI: The port city needs modern public transport facilities, especially mass transit projects on an urgent basis, said Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar.
Chairing a meeting in his office during which he was given a detailed presentation on the revised plan and design of the underground portion of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Green Line project, he said that it was an important mass transit project and its completion would provide better commuting facilities to the people of Karachi.
The meeting was told that the underground bus station and subway designed for BRT Green Light at Mazar-e-Quaid, Chowrangi was the first of its kind facility in Pakistan and that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was providing all-out support for early completion of the project to the consultant firm and the Karachi Infrastructure Development Company Limited (KIDCL).
The underground bus station project had a revised cost of Rs 2400 million whereas its estimated cost with the old design was Rs 800 million. The half kilometer tunnel would be fully covered and would have a width of 30 meters. Six lanes would be available in the bus station for passing and parking of vehicles.
The project would also have drainage pumps, firefighting system, emergency exit and ventilation system. The bus operator would have to maintain the station who would charge per kilometer fare from passengers. The government would have to pay for subsidy initially in the project.
Mayor said that approval had been granted already for the establishment of the bus station for the BRT Green Line near Eidgah at MA Jinnah Road and relocation of palm trees from Numaish Roundabout.
He said that the revised plan should be implemented in such a way that surrounding traffic flow could be maintained and parking facilities made available.
He said the MA Jinnah Road was the central artery of Karachi and thousands of vehicles used it, therefore, the route for BRT Green Line could be made elevated or underground wherever it was required.
He appreciated that the importance of heritage buildings had been taken into consideration. He asked for completion of the vital commuting project on time.
