KCR project to be revived by Chinese financing

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will soon request Chinese authorities for the financing of the Karachi Circular Railways (KCR) project.

invest with imarat

Islamabad’s emerging city centre

Learn More

The decision was made in the 9th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) held in Islamabad recently.

The project can greatly reduce the public traffic woes of Karachi which lacks an effective and modern Mass Transit System.

Commissioned in 1964, KCR greatly aided the citizens till 1984 with 104 trains operating per day. However, lack of investment decreased the operational efficiency, thus the mode of transport fell out of favour with the citizens, eventually leading to its shutting down in December 1999.

Government of Japan had previously agreed to provide technical and financial assistance per a request from Government of Pakistan back in 2005-06. A pre-feasibility study was carried out by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and was completed in March 2006. The study was then revalidated by M/s Scott Wilson UK in August 2008 with some recommendations.

On May 09, 2019, the Supreme Court of Pakistan at Karachi Registry passed an order which entailed that Pakistan Railways will complete its work and Sindh Government will then take over the project and run the trains, both circular and local, and the Sindh Government will ensure that the said project is operational in one month’s time.

This led to local administration and Pakistan Railways collaborating in the removal of encroachments along KCR route. Around 4,600 encroachments were identified after a detailed survey conducted by the KCR project management a few years ago as told by Karachi Urban Transport Corporation (KUTC).

Analysts dub the project improbable due to the lack of political will as there have not been any sincere efforts made for the project.

For more news and blogs, visit graana.com.

Maham Tahir

Recent Posts

Exploring Kalabagh: The Historic City in Mianwali District

Kalabagh, a small yet historically significant town in Pakistan’s Punjab province, is located within the…

12 hours ago

Nazimabad Number 2: A Well-Known Residential Area in Karachi

Nazimabad Number 2 is a well-known neighbourhood in Karachi, Pakistan, renowned for its vibrant community,…

1 day ago

A Guide to Quetta Town in Karachi

Quetta Town is a residential neighbourhood located in the vibrant city of Karachi, Pakistan. Known…

2 days ago

Akbar Chowk Lahore: A Focal Point of Connectivity

Akbar Chowk in Lahore stands as one of the city’s most critical intersections, serving as…

3 days ago

A Guide to Khuda Baksh Colony Lahore

Khuda Baksh Colony, located near Bhatta Chowk in Lahore, is a rapidly developing residential area…

4 days ago

Gol Market Karachi: A Vibrant Commercial Hub

Gol Market in Karachi is one of the city's most iconic and bustling commercial centres.…

2 weeks ago