Overview of the Green Line Project
The Green Line project is a crucial infrastructure initiative aimed at improving urban mobility in Karachi. It is part of the federal government’s Karachi development plan, designed to ease congestion and provide dependable transportation facilities to the city’s residents. However, recent developments have brought the entire project to a standstill due to a dispute between local authorities and the contractor involved in the construction.
Federal Government’s Response
The federal government has distanced itself from the ongoing controversy, emphasizing that the matter lies between the Karachi mayor and the contractor. According to Barrister Raja Ansari, a spokesperson for the federal government, the issue arose from objections raised by Karachi’s Mayor Murtaza Wahab regarding the contractor’s No Objection Certificate (NOC). The spokesperson clarified that the federal government remains committed to the project and has already allocated funds necessary for its progression.
Commitment to Urban Transport
Despite the halt, Ansari reiterated that the federal and Sindh governments are in continuous communication regarding the multi-billion rupee project. He noted that work on the Green Line extension from Numaish to Jama Cloth was previously progressing well before the dispute arose. Ansari has even personally inspected the progress of the project and called upon Mayor Wahab to clarify his objections to ensure transparency and resolve the dispute.
Details of the Dispute
Earlier this week, work on the Green Line Phase-II corridor, stretching from Guru Mandir to Municipal Park, was suspended. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL), the federal entity managing the project, have reached an impasse. Mayor Murtaza Wahab mandated the suspension, citing procedural violations linked to the absence of a proper NOC from municipal authorities.
Claims and Counterclaims
PIDCL officials refuted KMC’s claims, asserting that the required NOC had been obtained before work commenced. They argue that halting a federally sanctioned project based on verbal orders is unacceptable and detrimental to the project’s goals. PIDCL claims to possess documentation proving that an NOC was issued on October 12, 2017, with the necessary signatures from KMC’s Engineering Department.
The Way Forward
Despite PIDCL’s assertions, KMC maintains that no valid NOC has been issued for the second phase of the Green Line project, and the decision to halt construction was based on explicit instructions from Mayor Wahab. This standoff has led to the cessation of construction activities, as the contractor has withdrawn staff and equipment until further notice.
Implications for Karachi
The implications of this dispute extend beyond administrative levels and touch on the lives of thousands of Karachi residents who depend on efficient public transport. The Green Line project is pivotal for improving urban mobility, and delays could adversely affect the city’s residents, already grappling with traffic congestion and transportation challenges.
Potential Resolutions
Reports indicate that a meeting is anticipated between Mayor Wahab and senior PIDCL officials, aiming to address the dispute and find a resolution. The outcome of this meeting could determine the future trajectory of the Green Line project and its vital contribution to Karachi’s infrastructure and public transport framework.
