Karachi’s Green Line Phase-II resumes after long delay
The long-awaited Phase-II of Karachi’s Green Line Bus project is set to kick off this week, ending a six-year hiatus that had stalled construction on one of the city’s most ambitious transportation initiatives. Officials confirmed the restart plans on Sunday, signaling renewed momentum for a project designed to ease congestion and expand urban mobility in Pakistan’s largest city.
What Phase-II entails
Phase-II will extend the existing bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor further to improve north-south connectivity across Karachi. The project, initially envisioned as a transformative backbone for the city’s transit system, aims to reduce travel times, provide reliable service, and encourage a shift away from private vehicles. While the exact route details and station placements are being finalized, officials stressed that the upgrade will integrate with existing infrastructure to deliver a seamless commuting experience.
Funding and oversight
The restart comes amid renewed government attention to public infrastructure funding. The federal and provincial authorities have coordinated on a revised timeline and budget, with oversight designed to prevent the pitfalls that previously halted progress. Authorities suggest a phased construction approach to minimize disruption to traffic and business activity while steadily advancing the corridor.
Why the delay mattered—and why the restart matters
The six-year pause had tangible consequences for Karachi’s urban mobility. Commuters faced unpredictable service gaps, while many residents pressed for a reliable public transport alternative to the sprawling, congested streets. Proponents argue that Phase-II will complement the first phase, amplifying the system’s benefits and encouraging more residents to opt for mass transit. In the long run, the expanded BRT could help reduce air pollution and improve overall city life by offering a safer, faster travel option.
Community and city impact
Urban planners expect Phase-II to unlock new economic activity along its corridors. Improved access to workplaces, schools, and services can boost local commerce and property values while easing logistic challenges for businesses. Commuters hope for more predictable schedules and better reliability, especially during peak hours. Civil society groups are watching the environmental assessments closely, eager to ensure construction minimizes disruption to neighborhoods and preserves green spaces whenever possible.
What comes next
With the restart now underway, the timeline for completion will depend on several variables, including procurement, land acquisition where needed, contractor performance, and the ability to maintain traffic flow during construction. Government officials have indicated a commitment to transparency and regular public updates as work progresses. The plan also calls for incorporating modern transit technologies, such as priority signaling and enhanced passenger amenities, to maximize the system’s efficiency and user experience.
Public expectation and airports-related considerations
Karachi’s sprawling layout and dense population make an efficient BRT system highly desirable. While there has been some skepticism based on past delays, residents are cautiously optimistic that a renewed focus and clearer accountability will translate into tangible improvements within the expected project timelines. If successful, Phase-II could serve as a model for other megacities in the region seeking scalable, cost-effective mass transit solutions.
