AIIB approves $71.81 million for Karachi Bus Rapid Transit project

• The project will be launched in 2020 and will  address transport issues in the city.
• Asian Development Bank will provide 235 million dollars and the Sindh Government will provide 75.71 million dollars as financing for the project.
• The Karachi Bus Rapid Transit Red Line project will be able to carry around 320,000 passengers.

(Karachi) A loan amount worth $71.81 million has been approved by the Asian Infrastr­ucture Investment Bank (AIIB) for the Karachi Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project, media reported on Sunday.

The project, which will be launched in 2020, will facilitate commuters and address transport issues in the megapolis. The project is expected to be completed by end of December 2023. The approval for the said project was given by the AIIB on November 11 in Beijing. AIIB is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia.

The financing plan of the AIIB reveals that the total cost of the project is 503.33 million dollars. Of the specified amount, the Asian Development Bank will provide 235 million dollars and the Sindh Government will provide 75.71 million dollars as financing for the project.

The Karachi Bus Rapid Transit Red Line project will be able to carry around 320,000 passengers and will help reduce annual GHG emissions by using CNG-hybrid buses.

The project will improve the public transport system in Karachi through efficient and safe connectivity and reduced journey times, and provide high-quality, accessible and affordable mass transport.

The project envisages construction of BRT dedicated corridor measuring 24.2km in length from Numaish to Malir Halt Depot and common corridor of 2.4km from Municipal Park to Merewether Tower along M A Jinnah Road. Out of this total 26.6km length of corridor, 22.45km is at grade section, 1.72 is elevated and 2.43km is underground section.

Besides, the operations also include establishment of BRT operations, including procurement of compressed natural gas-hybrid fleet and systems.

Under ADB’s Safeguard Policy, the project has been classified as Category A for environment and involuntary resettlement. For the purpose, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) accompanied by an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), a Resettlement Plan (RP) and a Gender Action Plan (GAP) have been developed for the 24.2-km main corridor, bus stations and two depots.