ISLAMABAD - The feasibility study of Karachi Circular Railway project (KCR) is likely to be completed by August 2021 while the project’s bidding and financial close are also expected to be completed within the year.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar chaired a meeting to review the pace of the Green Line BRT and KCR projects here in Islamabad on Wednesday. Secretary Railways, CEO PPP Authority, SIDCL, DG Planning Railways, and senior officials participated in the meeting.
Secretary Railway informed the meeting that the Karachi Circular Railway project is on track as per the approved timelines.  He informed in the meeting that consultants who have been working on the feasibility study since January 2021 are expected to complete their work by August 2021. After necessary approvals, the project’s bidding and financial close by the selected party are also expected to be completed within the year.
Asad Umar directed the Ministry of Railways and Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A) to start work on the market of the project for private sector participants. SIDCL was also directed to provide support in this regard.  He further directed Ministry of Railways and PPP Authority to carry out monthly progress review of the work assigned to the consultants to ensure that the tasks are completed on time. SIDCL management also briefed the meeting on the progress of the Green line BRT project. The Minister stressed the need for abiding by the timelines agreed for the project.
The objective of the project is to serve as primary mass transit corridor to improve public mass transportation system and it will consist of a loop line from Karachi City to Drigh Road via Liaquatabad. The extension towards the airport will start from Drigh Road and connect to Pakistan’s railway main line towards Jinnah International airport.