Senate Committee Calls for Immediate Progress on KCR
The Senate Standing Committee on Railways has renewed calls for urgent and coordinated efforts to initiate the long-awaited Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project. The latest meeting in Karachi elicited considerable dissatisfaction among the committee members regarding the constant delays that have been hindering the project, despite its national importance.
Project Stalled Amid Procedural and Administrative Hurdles
The 43.13 km KCR project, first included in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework in 2016 and approved by ECNEC for $1.97 billion in 2017, has yet to move beyond the planning phase. The Government of Sindh filed a revised feasibility study in April 2023, but that is yet to be approved on either the Chinese side. A key bottleneck is the pending transfer of right-of-way (ROW) from Pakistan Railways to the Sindh Government, with both sides citing procedural requirements such as environmental approvals and transparent contractor selection.
Senate Demands Stakeholder Urgency and Accountability
The committee, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, noted an alarming lack of urgency and ownership on the part of the project team and the Sindh Government. The committee members cautioned against further stagnation because it would jeopardize the existence of a project that is vital to the urban transport system of Karachi. They demanded the expedited implementation of all legal, technical, and procedural necessities where the provincial government has a greater responsibility.
Focus on Cost Transparency and Modernization
As project costs have been increasing, the committee instructed the involved stakeholders to provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, including the cost per kilometer of construction and per segment of the project. Considering the scope of the KCR project, it was suggested that the financial model be checked in detail and, if necessary, second feasibility surveys could be ordered to ensure transparency and the most effective use of state funds.
KCR’s Role in Karachi’s Urban Future
A ballooning population, along with improving traffic in Karachi, only makes the KCR project more necessary than ever. Senators were witnessing low levels of physical progress as Karachi City Station field visited Wazir Mansion and again demanded modern and efficient mass transit in the city.
Other railway projects were discussed with the committee, besides the KCR. The committee also applauded the efforts of railway employees, particularly those who worked in Balochistan, stationed in hardship locations.
Moving Forward: National and Provincial Collaboration Essential
In its Senate constitutional committee meeting, the Senate Standing Committee reiterated its full backing of the KCR and demanded increased cooperation among the federal and provincial governments. It is essential to note that the KCR project has the potential to provide a transformational urban transport solution in Karachi for the millions of residents, provided it is accompanied by appropriate oversight, transparency, and a genuine commitment to its purpose.
