TransKarachi, which is developing Karachi’s second bus system, the Red Line, is hoping to relocate electric utilities along its route within the next six months. Much of that depends on how fast K-Electric, the sole electricity distribution company in Karachi, is able to get the work done. The two are meeting today, Monday.

Pir Sajjad Jan Sarhandi, the General Manager for Planning and Infrastructure at TransKarachi, told Aaj News last week that about 40 percent of the work has been done.

Sarhandi explained that KE is facing problems with the Sindh government over closed LCs (Letters of Credit for imports).

A spokesperson for K-Electric stated: “K-Electric is working in coordination with the BRT Red Line authorities to facilitate the project teams in the interest of the city’s commuters. As this is a big infrastructure project, procurement of materials is a key component.”

“The BRT team has opted to make the payment for material procurement in installments and orders for material and equipment are being placed as soon as payments are being received,” KE’s spokesperson stated. “There is of course some lead time in procurement of required materials which have already been communicated transparently to the BRT Authorities. We are closely tracking the progress to ensure there is no delay from our side.”