SHAHBAZ Sharif’s intention to develop a metro bus system in Karachi is a welcome move.

However, there are some suggestions. If the the new government starts with the resumption of the defunct Karachi Circular Railway in the city, it will immediately solve, to a great extent, the mass transit problem, with relatively less cost.

KCR had proved successful in the past and this great service only succumbed to tactics of corrupt bureaucracy and transport mafia.

Complete infrastructure of KCR is already there. The only things required are a strong government’s uncompromising will to retake the encroached upon lands of KCR and do little improvements in unused railway stations and level crossings.

This move will save great amounts of foreign exchange, remove chances of unrests that may otherwise arise during acquisition of land for a new metro bus project, and also provide some sort of entertainment to the children and poor population of this city.

After all, a proper railways system has proved the most efficient means of public transportation in all mega cities of the world.

A Japanese firm has already conducted a feasibility report on resumption of KCR and regarded the project as viable in all respects. The only thing required is the government’s inclination.

RAIHAN A. K. LODHI
Karachi