Karachi’s authorities have officially terminated the contract for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line Lot 2, which covers the Mosamiyat-Numaish corridor, citing ongoing delays and unsatisfactory contractor performance. The contractor involved, TransKarachi, faced criticism after an Asian Development Bank (ADB) delegation recently visited the site and raised concerns about the slow progress and substandard quality of work.
In addition to construction delays, the ADB delegation highlighted issues related to health, safety, and environmental compliance on the project. These shortcomings contributed to the decision to end the contract, with formal procedures now underway to finalize the termination agreement.
Meanwhile, district authorities have sealed the contractor’s office associated with Lot 2, following police instructions to secure the premises. The ADB delegation’s dissatisfaction with the contractor’s performance during their visit last week played a significant role in prompting the government’s decisive action.
The BRT Red Line project, initially launched in 2022 with a planned completion period of 30 months, was expected to be finished by June 2024. However, by 2026, the deadline has long passed, with multiple extensions granted and no definitive completion date established. The project is divided into two main sections: Lot 1, extending from Airport signal to Mosamiyat, and Lot 2, covering Mosamiyat to Numaish.
Lot 2, the larger segment, has encountered persistent challenges over the years. Construction was halted for several months last year due to financial disputes between the contractor and authorities, which required court intervention before payments were released. Meanwhile, Karachi’s residents continue to suffer from the stalled project, facing disrupted transportation routes and increased traffic congestion across the city’s roads.
