Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that lasting solution to transport problem in Karachi lies in Mass Transit system on which work will start this year while work on Bus Rapid System is being started with Asian Development Bank's cooperation.
He said the city government has solved the transport problem to a great extent by propagating the concept of signal-free corridors. He expressed these views during an inspection of ongoing development works of signal-free corridor-II and visit to various city areas late Saturday night.
He said work on third signal-free corridor from Saddar to Safura Goth will also start and complete this year. It will be constructed through Lines Area and Preedy Street and connected with New M A Jinnah Road at Quaid's Mazar.
Mustafa Kamal announced that a flyover would be constructed at Jail Chowrangi while a bridge will be constructed at University Road for going from Shama to Gulistan- e- Jauhar while Nipa would also be made signal-free.
He said a decision has been taken for construction of alternate houses for residents of Preedy Street and Lines Area and city government will provide them far better residential facilities in the same area.
He said the Haq Parast city government, not only made many roundabouts signal-free but also propounded the concept of signal-free corridors. He said that a dozen flyovers and underpasses would be constructed within two years. He said before the inauguration of signal-free corridor-II, the work on Corridor-III will be taken in hand and completed during this year.
He said through signal-free corridor-III, the people will get alternate route to Sharea Faisal and those wishing to go to airport will need not use this Sharea.
Mustafa Kamal said ADB agreed to make investment in Karachi's mega project after negotiations and city government will receive first instalment of dollars 300 million in April 2008 whereafter work on mass transit system, bus rapid system and other transport projects will start and completed at a fast pace.