KARACHI: In a bid to strengthen transportation infrastructure, the Sindh government has dedicated funds totaling Rs. 8.05 billion, in the fiscal year 2023-24 to develop transport and mass transit projects within the province.
This allocation comprises Rs. 7 billion for 15 ongoing schemes and Rs. 1.49 billion for 27 new schemes.
According to the budget document, Rs. 580 million has been earmarked for the Karachi Orange Line, Rs. 4 billion for the Karachi Red Line, and Rs. 40 million for the Karachi Yellow Line.
Furthermore, a substantial portion of Rs. 1.15 billion has been allocated in the development budget for the procurement of buses, aiming to enhance urban transportation services in various cities across Sindh.
The budget also includes Rs. 100 million for the construction of flyovers and underpasses along the Karachi Circular Railway track, which aims to improve connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion in the metropolis.
Furthermore, the Red Line project, funded by the Asian Development Bank, has received a budget allocation of Rs. 4 billion, bringing the total investment in the project to over Rs. 12 billion.
Similarly, the Yellow Line project, financed by the World Bank, has been allocated Rs. 400 million and will witness a total investment of Rs. 5.25 billion from the Sindh government.
Moreover, Rs. 6 billion has been set aside for the construction of upper and underground passages along the Circular Railway track.
In addition to these initiatives, the Sindh government’s development portfolio includes various public-private partnership projects valued at Rs. 487 million.
Notably, projects worth Rs. 60 billion have been completed, while projects worth Rs. 144 billion are progressing at different stages.
Source: Tribune
