Hira Zubair
Governments, past and present, have made countless promises to “revive” the Karachi Circular Railway, a project that has long been neglected and left abandoned. Recently, the Sindh chief minister chaired a meeting to discuss ways of breathing life back into this urban train project. Despite serving the commuters of Karachi for many years, the KCR came to a halt in 1999 due to continuous official negligence. Now, the Sindh authorities are seeking assistance from the Chinese government, hoping that Beijing’s involvement could help revive the KCR. It has become customary in Pakistan to point fingers at the former PTI federal government for derailing the scheme’s revival, and when the PDM took charge, they announced the inclusion of the KCR in CPEC. Furthermore, Japan’s development agency, JICA, had previously developed a plan for the restoration of the urban railway.
Meanwhile, another crisis is unfolding in Peshawar, this time concerning the multibillion-rupee BRT project. Financial obstacles threaten the future of the BRT, with several private firms owed a staggering amount of Rs1bn. According to officials familiar with the matter, payments are being needlessly delayed, and some suspect that an artificial crisis is being orchestrated to cancel the existing contract and award it to a different company.
It is ironic that the Karachi Circular Railway, once a lifeline for the city’s commuters, has become a victim of negligence and broken promises. Governments come and go, each making grandiose pledges to revive this essential transport system, only for it to fade into oblivion once again. The recent meeting chaired by the Sindh chief minister brings a glimmer of hope, as they explore the possibility of Chinese assistance. However, it remains to be seen whether this endeavor will be met with genuine commitment or end up as just another empty promise.
The inclusion of the KCR in CPEC, a flagship project in Pakistan, raises both eyebrows and questions. Will this integration truly bring about the much-needed revival of the Karachi Circular Railway, or is it merely a strategic move to garner political support? Time will tell.
In the midst of these challenges, Peshawar finds itself grappling with its own transport crisis. The BRT, a project aimed at easing the city’s traffic congestion, now faces potential closure due to financial bottlenecks. Private firms that have provided valuable services to the BRT project are left unpaid, exacerbating the situation. Delays in payments without any logical explanation raise suspicions of ulterior motives behind the scenes. It seems as though an orchestrated crisis is unfolding, paving the way for the cancellation of contracts and the emergence of new players in the field.
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It is disheartening to witness the recurring theme of broken promises and financial mismanagement in crucial public projects. The citizens of Karachi and Peshawar deserve efficient and reliable transportation systems that cater to their needs. It is imperative for the government to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the well-being of its people.
When it comes to the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), relying on foreign aid from countries like China or Japan may be an exercise in futility. Without the necessary political will and a viable plan from the authorities, any external support will amount to nothing more than empty gestures. Over the years, the courts have intermittently pushed the government to revive the KCR, leading to the displacement of families residing along its tracks. Yet, despite lofty proclamations from officials, we remain no closer to witnessing an actual revival. In fact, in many areas, the KCR tracks have vanished or been paved over. Karachi is in dire need of an urban train system to alleviate its perennial transportation woes, but the success of such a project hinges on meticulous analysis and expert guidance, not mere announcements.
Turning our attention to the Peshawar BRT, the release of funds to the vendors is crucial to maintain the system’s functionality and avert disruptions that could lead to its closure. Any attempts to undermine the BRT through nepotism and covert tactics must be firmly dealt with.
It is ironic that while the public yearns for efficient and reliable transportation, we witness a lack of commitment and transparency in these crucial projects. The KCR remains a long-standing symbol of broken promises and bureaucratic inertia, while the Peshawar BRT faces the challenge of financial bottlenecks and potential foul play. These issues underscore the need for proactive governance and a steadfast dedication to serving the public interest.
It is high time for the authorities to move beyond lip service and take concrete actions. Merely evicting families and making grand announcements will not solve the deep-rooted problems plaguing our transportation systems. The revival of the KCR demands a comprehensive strategy that considers the needs of the people and incorporates expert advice. Similarly, the Peshawar BRT requires prompt financial disbursement and vigilant monitoring to ensure its smooth functioning.
In conclusion, the fate of the Karachi Circular Railway and the challenges faced by the Peshawar BRT reflect the urgent need for a paradigm shift in our approach to public infrastructure projects. We must prioritize transparency, accountability, and the well-being of the citizens. By embracing expert input, timely disbursement of funds, and resolute action against corruption, we can transform our transportation landscape and provide the public with the efficient systems they deserve. It is time for the government to rise above bureaucratic red tape and deliver tangible results that improve the lives of the people.
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