The Sindh High Court has expressed serious concern over delays in the Red Line BRT Karachi during a hearing on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 highlighting ongoing disruption for citizens.
A bench comprising Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhanbhro and Justice Saleem Jessar heard a petition filed by the contractor regarding the sealing of its office linked to Lot 2 of the project.
During the hearing, Justice Bhanbhro observed that University Road Karachi remains incomplete up to Safoora Goth, noting that the court is concerned about the prolonged delay.
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The bench also remarked that side roads should have been constructed alongside the main project from the beginning, questioning the overall planning and execution process.
“The side roads should be made immediately after begining of the project,” he remarked. “It is unlikely to allow the whole life span for work on the project,” bench observed.
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The contractor’s lawyer argued that repeated design changes and delays in approvals were major reasons behind the slow progress, stating that designs were received late.
“How the work will be completed in time when designs being received late,” petitioner’s lawyer argued.
“The design was repeatedly changed saying the K-IV line will also be laid”, he said. “An impression to the public was given that the contractor has been responsible for the delay”, he argued.
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The court was told that the public had been given an impression that the contractor alone was responsible for the delay, while underlying issues remained unresolved.
Justice Jessar observed that such large-scale projects require finalized designs before agreements are signed, pointing to possible procedural gaps in the project’s execution.
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The lawyer also alleged that the delay could be an attempt to reassign the contract, adding that communication with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had portrayed the contractor in a negative light.
“It means they were clearing themselves,” Justice Jessar said.
The bench noted the arguments and summoned the Advocate General Sindh and legal representatives of Trans Karachi for further proceedings in the next hearing.
