Federal Government Allocates Rs. 42.7 Billion for Karachi’s Green Line BRT in PSDP 2025-26

n a major push to enhance urban mobility and sustainable transport infrastructure in Karachi, the Federal Government has allocated a total of Rs. 42.7 billion for the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-26. The investment marks a significant step forward in strengthening Pakistan’s urban mass transit framework, particularly in the country’s most populous city.

Detailed Allocation Breakdown

According to official PSDP documents:

• Rs. 29.19 billion is set aside for the continued development of the Green Line BRT corridor. This segment of the project was initially approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2017.
• An additional Rs. 13.50 billion has been allocated for the operational phase, approved by ECNEC in 2020. This includes funding for fleet operations, maintenance, automated fare systems, station management, and infrastructure upkeep.

The Importance of the Green Line BRT for Karachi

The Green Line BRT is one of the most ambitious public transport initiatives in Karachi, designed to provide a reliable, efficient, and affordable alternative to the city’s congested roadways and outdated transportation modes. Spanning approximately 21 kilometers and connecting key commercial and residential areas, the project serves as a backbone of Karachi’s broader mass transit network.

Once fully integrated with other planned BRT lines (such as Orange, Red, and Blue Lines), the Green Line is expected to:

• Reduce average commute times by up to 30%
• Alleviate traffic congestion in major city corridors
• Improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions
• Increase public transport accessibility for low- and middle-income groups

Progress and Future Outlook

The operational segment includes the deployment of state-of-the-art buses, real-time tracking systems, electronic ticketing, and sustainable transit infrastructure. The initiative is also aligned with Pakistan’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, aiming to curb urban pollution and fossil fuel dependence.

Experts suggest that successful implementation of the Green Line BRT could serve as a model for replicable urban transport reforms across other major cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar.

With the government’s renewed financial commitment in the PSDP 2025-26, the Green Line BRT is poised to transform how millions of Karachiites commute daily. The focus on operational efficiency and sustainability marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s journey toward smart and inclusive urban development.

Disclaimer: This article is based on official budget documents and public information available as of June 2025. Project timelines, funding allocations, and execution details are subject to change based on government decisions. For the latest updates, refer to official announcements from the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives.

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