Green Line Phase-II Finally Restarts After 6-Year Delay – Work Begins This Week in Karachi
Karachi’s long-delayed Green Line Phase-II is finally moving forward after six years of administrative hurdles and stalled paperwork. Officials confirmed on Sunday that construction will officially begin this week, marking a major development for the city’s expanding public transport network. The project—first launched in 2016—has faced repeated delays, but the federal government and Sindh authorities have now resolved key issues and approved immediate execution.
This long-awaited extension promises smoother, faster, and more reliable travel for tens of thousands of Karachi commuters, especially along traffic-choked corridors leading to Saddar and Jodia Bazaar.
Phase-II Extension Details
The newly revived Green Line Phase-II comprises a 1.8-kilometre dedicated BRT corridor stretching from Numaish Chowrangi to Municipal Park near Jamia Cloth Market, one of Karachi’s busiest commercial hubs.
Officials revealed several core features of Phase-II:
- Three new BRT stations will be constructed
- Estimated cost: Rs 5 billion
- Executing body: PIDCL (Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Ltd)
- Completion deadline: December 2026
Once complete, the extension will finally connect the Green Line’s existing route to the historic downtown area, enabling thousands of passengers to reach Saddar and adjacent commercial zones without being stuck in extreme congestion.
Why the Project Was Delayed for Six Years
Although Karachi’s Green Line Bus Rapid Transit project was inaugurated in 2016, Phase-II never progressed as planned. Federal government spokesperson for Sindh Barrister Raja Ansari explained that the work remained halted due to reservations raised by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab over the issuance of the No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Ansari said a joint meeting between PIDCL officials and the Mayor resolved the issue amicably:
“I, along with PIDCL officials, met the mayor and resolved the matter. The project is now back on track.”
This resolution has opened the door for construction teams to begin work immediately.
Who Will Announce the Project Restart?
A formal announcement is scheduled for Monday in Karachi, where the following key officials will brief the media:
- Barrister Raja Ansari
- Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab
- MQM-P senior leader Aminul Haque
- PIDCL senior management
The joint press conference will outline timelines, station details, and ridership expansion plans.
Current Status of Green Line Phase-I
At present:
- 80 buses operate on Green Line Phase-I
- The service covers Surjani Town to Numaish
- Daily ridership: 80,000 passengers
Phase-II will add:
- 70 additional buses
- Daily ridership increasing to 110,000+ passengers
- A smooth connection from Surjani Town to Jamia Cloth Market
This expansion aims to significantly improve travel efficiency in central Karachi and reduce pressure on mixed-traffic roads.
Impact on Karachi’s Transport System
The completion of Phase-II will bring several improvements:
Reduced Travel Time
Commuters traveling from Surjani Town, North Karachi, and New Karachi will be able to reach downtown markets in just minutes instead of one to two hours.
Decongestion of Key Roads
Areas currently clogged with traffic—such as MA Jinnah Road, Numaish, and Preedy—will experience reduced pressure as tens of thousands shift to the BRT service.
Better Connectivity
Phase-II links the Green Line with:
- MA Jinnah Road
- Jamia Cloth Market
- Empress Market vicinity
- Saddar’s commercial belt
This makes it easier for students, workers, and shoppers to travel affordably and quickly.
Economic and Social Benefits
The government estimates that the Green Line Phase-II will:
- Boost economic activity in central Karachi
- Support businesses in wholesale markets
- Increase employment through new infrastructure and operations
- Encourage more citizens to use public transport
- Reduce fuel consumption and pollution
- Improve Karachi’s long-term urban mobility planning
The revival of the project signals better coordination between federal and provincial agencies after years of bureaucratic friction.
Conclusion – Green Line Phase-II Finally Restarts After 6-Year Delay
The long-delayed Green Line Phase-II is finally becoming a reality, bringing hope for a more efficient, cleaner, and faster transport system in Karachi. With construction now set to begin after six years of obstacles, citizens can expect major improvements in mobility along MA Jinnah Road and surrounding commercial zones. Once completed in December 2026, the project will benefit more than 110,000 daily commuters, easing congestion and improving the city’s overall transport network.
FAQs about Green Line Phase-II :
1. What is the Green Line Phase-II project?
It is a 1.8 km extension of the Karachi BRT system from Numaish Chowrangi to Jamia Cloth Market with three new stations.
2. Why was the project delayed for six years?
Delays were caused by administrative issues, mainly regarding the NOC issuance by the Karachi Mayor’s office.
3. When will the construction work begin?
Work is scheduled to begin this week, following a formal announcement.
4. What is the estimated cost of Phase-II?
The project will cost approximately Rs 5 billion.
5. Who is executing the project?
The Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (PIDCL).
6. When will Phase-II be completed?
The government aims to complete it by December 2026.
