KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that construction work on the Jam Sadiq Bridge, which is an important component of the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed “ahead of schedule.”

He made these remarks during a visit to the Jam Sadiq Bridge to review the ongoing construction. He was accompanied by Transport Secretary Asad Zamin and Yellow Line BRT Project Director Zameer Abbasi. During the visit, he received a detailed briefing on the construction activities.

The Yellow Line project will connect Dawood Chowrangi near Quaidabad to Shahrah-i-Quaideen.

He stated that separate lanes have been constructed on the bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. One corridor of the bridge will be dedicated to the BRT, while the remaining sections will remain open to regular traffic. Once this bridge is completed, the old Jam Sadiq Bridge will be demolished and replaced with the new one of similar design.

Speaking to the media, Mr Memon said that work is also in progress on the depots for the Yellow Line BRT. Once completed, the project will offer modern transport facilities to the people of Karachi. Supported by the World Bank, the initiative is expected to significantly improve the city’s transport infrastructure and help alleviate traffic congestion.

He added that the central corridor of the Red Line BRT is also being developed at a rapid pace. By next month, double-decker buses will be introduced in the city, along with a large fleet of electric buses. Additionally, the distribution of free pink scooters for women will commence by the end of this month or early next month.

Women are being offered free training and driving licenses, while working women and students will be provided with electric scooters. He emphasised that the Sindh government is actively working to provide improved facilities to the public. The Pink Scooter Scheme is designed to empower women and marks an unprecedented initiative in the transport department.

He further stated that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is currently in Larkana, distributing property rights certificates to thousands of women. Under the “Apni Zameen, Apna Chhat” programme, houses are also being constructed for women. Following Bilawal Bhutto’s directives, land is being distributed among landless individuals. He claimed that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is overseeing the completion of “the largest housing project in world history”, something never seen before.

Sharjeel Inam Memon also mentioned that a high-level World Bank delegation met with the Sindh Chief Minister at the CM House yesterday to discuss the Sindh Peoples Housing Scheme. The delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress on the Yellow Line BRT.

In an effort to help people overcome the energy crisis, free solar panels are being distributed. He also said that the Pakistan Peoples Party is truly a party of the people and is launching public interest initiatives across all sectors.

About cabinet changes, he said that such decisions are the prerogative of the chief minister and that there is nothing wrong with reshuffling. He noted that there is always room for improvement and that new individuals should be given opportunities. He also shared that during his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, discussions were held on potential future flood situations and other important matters. He also emphasised that demands for new provinces cannot move forward without the consent of the concerned assemblies, and that the Sindh Assembly will not grant such approval.

In response to another question, Sharjeel Inam Memon said he has issued clear instructions for the Red Line BRT corridor project to be completed by December in order to provide timely relief to the public.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2025