ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to ensure availability of clean and sufficient water for Karachi “as early as possible by adopting all the technically feasible and economically viable methods”.
The Prime Minister expressed his views while chairing a meeting to review the progress of ongoing development projects under Karachi Transformation Plan, in Karachi today (Tuesday).
He also directed authorities concerned to ensure the completion of these projects within the timelines, committed by them, for the welfare and benefit of the people of Karachi. “The early completion of federal government projects and early launch of newly announced works is among government’s key priorities,” he added.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the restoration of three major nullahs of Karachi, including Mehmoodabad, Gujar and Orangi and two rivers of Malir and Lyari. Chairman NDMA said the survey of all the nullahs has been completed and the anti-encroachment drive was in full swing.
The premier was also briefed on the latest update of the Green Line and Orange Line BRT projects. “The Green Line Operations will commence by October this year, as 80 busses will be arriving at Karachi port from China by mid-September 2021,” the authorities told PM Imran.
He was then briefed about the railway projects, including Freight Corridor from Keamari to Pipri Marshalling Yard and Modern Karachi Circular Railway.
The Freight Corridor project, which envisages dualization and up-gradation of a 50-km dedicated freight corridor from Karachi Port to Pipri and includes the development of an Inland Container Depot. The feasibility study of the project has been submitted and it is expected to be floated in the market in October 2021.
The KCR project envisages construction of a 43-km long world-class affordable mass transit system, using environment-friendly electric trains. The project is expected to be floated in the market by November 2021.
