KARACHI: The Sindh government has finalised preparations to assume the management of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) Green and Orange Line services in February.

A high-level meeting, chaired by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, was held in Karachi to review the formalities for transferring the management of the Green Line Bus Service from the federal government to the Sindh government. The meeting also discussed transferring the operations of the Orange Line Bus Service to the Sindh government.

The meeting was attended by Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, MD of Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo, TransKarachi CEO Tariq Manzoor Chandio, as well as consultants for the Green Line and operators of the Orange Line.

During the meeting, Mr Memon stressed the importance of ensuring a smooth transfer of operations and instructed the consultants to expedite the required actions.

He also directed the Transport Secretary to review the legal aspects of introducing reforms to the project agreement.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, the senior minister stated that the Green Line project was initially scheduled to be handed over to the Sindh government by the federal government in January.

He added that the provincial government is now fully prepared to assume operations of the Green Line Bus Service in February 2025.

Mr Memon mentioned that there had been complaints about the federal government entering into costly contracts for the Green Line. Following the handover, the Sindh government will review these contracts.

He emphasised that the Green Line project is a vital service for the passengers of Karachi and that the provincial government is committed to enhancing its performance and quality.

He stated that their priority is to provide the public with a reliable and comfortable public transport system. Additionally, the provincial government aims to modernise and expand public transport projects to meet the growing needs of urban centers.

He concluded by stating that after the transfer, the Sindh government will introduce operational improvements and upgrades to ensure that the Green Line bus service remains a model of sustainable urban transit.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2025