|
|
|
September 2, 2004
POST MARK: Global city
The article by Farhan Anwar (TR, Aug 2) provides excellent suggestions and pointers for the revitalization plan. One of the most important aspects is actual revenue generation without leakage of any sort. I would like to add some more points:
1. Ticket dispensing machines be installed at all stations' entry points.
2. Access to Stations and Platforms only be through operation of turnstiles operated by insertion of machine purchased ticket. The same follows for the exit. The stations concerned have to be modified accordingly. No platform tickets and no non-passenger should be allowed into the station and platform.
3. Price be kept attractive at, say, Rs 5 for 1 to 4 station travel and Rs 8 for 5 and above stations.
These additional suggestions target the accountable operations of such a venture.
Daud Ansari
Karachi
The author has emphasized the need for the globalization of Karachi. Although it seems that it is on its way to be a global city and it is quite inevitable with all the hype created by WTO polices to be implemented.bBut strong doubts appear whether our nation and, especially Karachi is ready for this. Already under stress with scarce utilties in not so previleged areas and strong population shift from rural areas could further disintegrate the basic civic amenities, not to mention the law and order conditions still on the decline.
One feels the need for decentralization rather than a global city for developing countries like Pakistan. Karachi is already a highly populated city, and we should divert our attention to other potential hub for economic activities which would attract multinational companies, the Gwadar port is surely the right step.
Ammar Farooq Butt
Lahore
|
|
|
|
