IN his recent comments about the unsatisfactory performance of Pakistan Railways, Chief Justice Justice Gulzar Ahmed reiterated the court’s resolve for the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR).

He urged the authorities concerned to remove all encroachments from either side of the 45km-long railway track and make the KCR operational at the earliest possible.

In the wake of Supreme Court’s earlier orders of May 9 last year only about 30 per cent of the encroachments were demolished by Pakistan Railways.

The Sindh government was asked to devise a comprehensive resettlement plan for the affectees and ensure meticulous compliance of the apex court orders. But it has been observed that there is virtually no progress, and the work has been at a standstill for the last six months.

The revival of KCR will go a long way towards alleviating the transport problem being faced by the commuters. If there is political will and true realisation of the public grievances, all impediments whatsoever in the way of a KCR revival can be overcome.

The Lyari Expressway project also faced the issue of encroachments. But through planning they were removed and the project was ultimately completed benefiting millions of people.

It is hoped that the railway ministry and the Sindh government with a determined approach and coordinated efforts will be successful in this challenge, creating a milestone in the transportation history of Karachi. The federal government is expected to monitor and play a significant role in the KCR revival and extend all possible help and financial assistance.

Z. A. Ansari
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2020