KARACHI: The government will finance rehabilitation and dualization of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) Phase-II mainly through local funding, relying least on foreign financial assistance.

According to PC-I, the project has been approved recently at a cost of Rs8.70 billion. The break-up of this cost showed that the local component of financing is Rs7.389 billion whereas government would arrange Rs1.31 billion.

The PC-I of the project envisages rehabilitation and dualization of the existing 30-km tracks of the KCR from Karachi City Station to the Drigh Road Station (via loop) by laying one additional track using PSC (pre-stressed concrete sleepers) and W-14 fittings. The existing tracks would also be renewed to the same level of additional track.

New bridges would be constructed for additional tracks, and station buildings will be upgraded. Standard-I colour light signaling system for double track would be installed on all stations.

The project is being executed to comply with the verdict of the Supreme Court of Pakistan under CP No.9/2010 dated 06.03.2020.

The apex court had directed that it would be a two-track operation with making of railway stations providing all amenities and fencing of railway tracks and of course installation of modern signaling system.

Secretary of Finance, Government of Pakistan, will arrange funding, and he will ensure that there is no obstruction in making the availability of funds to Pakistan Railways for accomplishing the revival of KCR.

Furthermore, Pakistan Railways may continue its deliberations on planning of upgrading the KCR through CPEC and on approval and sanctioning of such up-gradation, the same can also be undertaken by Pakistan Railways but without obstructing the already functioning KCR.

Government of Sindh will immediately make necessary infrastructure of underpasses and overhead bridges at 24 level crossings obstructing operation of the KCR under the order of the apex court.

The infrastructure will be upgraded in phase II to accommodate 24,000 passengers daily with an average operating speed of 50 KMPH.

In order to plan an effective public transportation system in the city of Karachi, numerous studies were conducted but due to various reasons, mainly lack of funds, no project could be implemented.