In a new deal, Asian infrastructure investment bank has approved a loan of $71.81 million for the development of the Karachi bus rapid transit Red Line project. The project is to commence next year in August and the expected date of completion is December 2023.
It includes the construction of a 24.2 kilometre Redline main corridor; a 2.4 kilometre section of common corridor along with all bus rapid transit lines merging in the City Centre and other routes connecting the corridor to communities.
The cost for this project will cumulate to $ 503.33 million and Sindh government will contribute about dollar $75.71 million, as reported by local media.
This new Transportation system is likely to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions and reduce journey times throughout the metropolis. It also promises to provide efficiency and safety in terms of travelling. The new system also boasts a capacity of carrying 320,000 passengers on a daily basis.
Asian Development Bank, French Development Agency and Green Climate Fund have also agreed to contribute a significant amount of money towards the final cost.
If carried out efficiently, the project may attract numerous commuters who have to currently resort to lower quality informal vehicles within the country or the more expensive private services such as Careem and Uber.
