FWO Resumes Karachi Red Line BRT Construction on University Road After Contract Termination

The Frontier Works Organisation has resumed construction work on the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Karachi, specifically on Lot 2 along University Road, according to an announcement made on Sunday.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed the development, stating that work has officially restarted. He noted that the Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has set a 90-day deadline to complete the mixed traffic corridor and drainage infrastructure. Wahab shared the update publicly, saying, “Happy to inform that work on the University Road has resumed from today by FWO.”

Officials revealed that the construction of mixed traffic lanes for Lot 2 has now been assigned to FWO, although the primary contract for the main corridor is yet to be awarded.

The latest progress follows the cancellation of the previous contractor’s agreement for Lot 2, which spans the Mosamiyat to Numaish corridor. Authorities cited continuous delays and unsatisfactory performance as key reasons behind the decision.

Earlier, TransKarachi reported that concerns raised by a delegation from the Asian Development Bank played a significant role in the move. The delegation had expressed dissatisfaction over the pace, quality, and compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards during a recent inspection.

Subsequently, termination proceedings were initiated, and local authorities sealed the contractor’s office linked to the project. Sources indicated that ADB’s concerns accelerated the government’s action against the contractor.

The Red Line BRT project, initially launched in 2022 with a planned completion timeline of 30 months, was expected to be finished by June 2024. However, repeated delays, financial disputes, and work suspensions pushed the project significantly behind schedule.

The project is divided into two sections: Lot 1, from Airport Signal to Mosamiyat, and Lot 2, from Mosamiyat to Numaish. The latter has faced the most challenges, including legal disputes over payments that previously required court intervention.

Despite the renewed efforts, residents of Karachi continue to face traffic congestion and disruptions due to the prolonged construction work.