Karachi Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that, under the direction of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari, work on the Red Line BRT is progressing day and night. The construction of the Red Line BRT Tipu Sultan underpass has been completed, with only the shattering work remaining, which will be finished in four days. The Tipu Sultan Underpass on Malir-Cantt Road, along with its adjacent road, will be officially opened to the public on October 31. This project will significantly benefit the citizens of Karachi. Providing travel facilities to the people of Karachi is the top priority of the Sindh Government.
Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport, Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control, Sharjeel Inam Memon, conducted a detailed visit to the Red Line BRT project. During his visit, he reviewed the progress of the project and provided necessary instructions. The Minister, accompanied by journalists, inspected the site at the beginning of the visit.
Speaking to the media during his visit to review the construction work of the Red Line BRT, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Red Line BRT will be Pakistan’s first BRT system to operate on biogas-powered V-buses, with a route spanning 26 kilometers. He explained that while such work in rural areas would have been completed long ago, urban projects face delays due to various obstacles and utilities. As soon as the People’s Party government assumed power, they accelerated work on the previously stalled project. The pace of work is now rapid, and all resources are being utilized to ensure the project’s timely completion. He emphasized that no compromise on the quality of the project will be tolerated.
He stated that work on various sections of the Red Line BRT should have been completed long ago, but due to the inattention and carelessness of the caretaker government, the project was delayed, causing hardships for the public.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that two months ago, the contractor had promised to complete the work on the Tipu Sultan underpass and its adjacent road. Today, after two months, the work has been completed. He also mentioned that the Department of Transport, with the support of the World Bank, is beginning work on the Yellow Line BRT.
He stated that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, during a meeting regarding the construction of the Red Line Corridor, had issued instructions to expedite the work and ensure the timely relocation of utility lines by all relevant institutions. Orders were also given to release the necessary funds. While some had claimed there would be delays in the Red Line BRT project, the Sindh People’s Party government immediately commenced work as soon as they assumed office.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that the Sindh Government’s Transport Department will soon launch electric taxis. A Pink Taxi service will be introduced specifically for women, while a separate EV taxi service will cater to men. The Transport Department, under the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari, is working to provide better transportation facilities for the people. Although the Red Line BRT project has faced delays, it is crucial to avoid further postponing the timeline.
In response to a question, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that to solve a problem, it is essential to address its root cause. He added that in 2018, an incompetent government was imposed, which only created problems during its three and a half years in power.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the PTI government made false promises to the people and cannot point to a single development project from their tenure. In contrast, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari fulfilled his promises to the people.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced the world’s largest project, involving the construction of 2.1 million new houses for the flood victims of Sindh. He added that this project is progressing rapidly, with houses already being handed over to the people. Very soon, all 2.1 million houses will be provided to the flood victims.
He said that the Department of Energy is working on providing the cheapest electricity to homes in Sindh through solarization. He also noted that the concept of the Thar Coal project, introduced by Shaheed Ms. Benazir Bhutto, was implemented by President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
In response to a question, the Senior Minister said that the Sindh government has invested $2 billion in the Thar Coal project.
In response to another question, the Senior Minister said that the power generated from Thar Coal is directly supplied to the National Grid.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the People’s Party envisions providing facilities to every corner of Pakistan, which is why electricity generated from Thar Coal is supplied to the National Grid.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Sindh government aims to involve all of Pakistan in the development journey. The People’s Party seeks to see Pakistan develop and its people prosper.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon visited the entire route of the Red Line BRT project. During the visit, he was accompanied by Secretary Transport Sindh Asad Zaman, CEO Trans Karachi Shamaila Mohsin, an international consultant, and other officers.