The Sindh government has decided to reclaim transport department land occupied by various federal and provincial institutions, including security organizations, to facilitate the expansion of bus rapid transit (BRT) projects and ensure smooth operations for hundreds of buses.
This decision emerged during the 13th board meeting of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority, chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.
Official sources disclosed that multiple plots in Karachi, previously designated as bus depots under the now-defunct Karachi Transport Corporation, have been taken over by government departments.
Similarly, a federal anti-graft body occupies transport department land in Hyderabad, while the construction of a BRT Red Line bus depot at Malir Halt has been delayed due to land issues involving a paramilitary force.
Authorities stressed the urgent need for these spaces, given the rising demand for public transport routes across the province.
Notices have already been issued to all these organizations in the first phase, meanwhile, the Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon issued directives to begin preparations to reclaim the land – owned by the transport department – with assistance from Sindh’s chief secretary, IG, and anti-encroachment forces.
Minister Memon noted the importance of reclaiming resources to bolster the government’s People’s Bus Service and provide relief amid inflation.
Memon urged stakeholders to invest in the service as the government plans to expand it to other cities.
News Source: DAWN News
