The Karachi Red Line BRT project has faced a major setback as authorities officially moved to terminate the Lot 2 contract due to ongoing delays and poor performance. According to officials, the contractor responsible for the Mosamiyat to Numaish corridor failed to meet required standards, forcing the government to take strict action.
The decision came after a recent visit by a delegation from the Asian Development Bank, which raised serious concerns about the slow pace of construction, as well as issues related to quality, safety, and environmental compliance. These concerns played a key role in pushing authorities toward ending the agreement.
Officials confirmed that formal termination proceedings are currently underway, while district authorities have already sealed the contractor’s office linked to Lot 2. Law enforcement agencies were directed to secure the premises as part of the action taken against the company.
The Red Line BRT project, launched in 2022, was originally expected to be completed within 30 months, with a target date of June 2024. However, repeated delays have pushed the timeline far beyond expectations, with no confirmed completion date even in 2026. The project is divided into two sections, with Lot 1 covering Airport Signal to Mosamiyat and Lot 2 covering Mosamiyat to Numaish, the latter being the more complex portion.
Over time, Lot 2 has been plagued by multiple issues, including financial disputes that previously halted construction for several months. These disputes even led to court involvement before payments were eventually cleared, but progress remained slow.
Meanwhile, the people of Karachi continue to suffer due to the stalled project. Traffic congestion, road blockages, and daily commuting difficulties have become a routine challenge for residents. The latest development raises questions about the future of the project and whether authorities can ensure timely completion through a new contractor.
