Slow progress

Although the University Road section of Karachi’s Red Line Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) will ease the city’s traffic problems once it is completed, the construction process is creating many problems of its own. In the immediate term, the project has actually resulted in more congestion, disruption of daily activities and dust and debris. The route for the red line bus on University Road has been placed between the double roads, narrowing the regular traffic lanes. Hence, the construction has led to road closures, diversions, and lane restrictions and is causing increased traffic congestion.

Moreover, pollution and dust from the construction are also major issues. The local government should regularly monitor air quality and implement dust-suppression measures. Most importantly, they must hire competent workers to finish the BRT project as quickly as possible so that traffic on University Road can flow freely and without interruption.

Zahrah Shahid

Karachi