Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday approved the design of an underpass at Numaish which would serve as a central point for passengers of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) projects, a press release issued by the Sindh government read.

He also approved the design of BRT system from Numaish to Tower while presiding over a meeting in connection with the BRT Green Line Bus project.

Principal Secretary to Governor Sualeh Farooqui briefed the chief minister on the design. He said that the design had a mezzanine floor under Numaish Chowrangi to develop a retail area. Since Numaish area is going to be a central place for BRT passengers, this retail area was envisaged to contribute significantly to BRT self-sustenance through non-fare revenue, he added.

The chief minister said the retail area or shopping area could be developed under Public Private Partnership mode after launching of the project. He directed Farooqui to invite tenders on February 15 so that work could be awarded in time. “I am interested to start the project in April,” he said.

Transport Minister Syed Nasir Shah told the meeting that he had started preparation for procurement of buses for Green Line and Orange Line projects.

Director Green Line Project Zubair Channa raised the issue of establishment of a bus depot at Surjani Town area. The chief minister directed Secretary Law Iftikhar Shahlwani to make necessary amendment in the land document so that 3.5 acres land could be developed as a bus depot. “This must be done within 15 days,” he ordered.