If you’re a resident or a frequent traveler to Karachi, you might have heard about the Green Line BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) System. The Green Line is a public transportation system that connects Surjani Town in the north of Karachi to Merewether Tower in the south, with a length of approximately 26 km. It aims to provide a comfortable and affordable transportation option for commuters and help reduce traffic congestion in Karachi. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the Green Line Karachi and how it can make your life easier.
What is Green Line Karachi?
Green Line Karachi is a rapid transit bus system that connects various areas of Karachi. It is an important project by the Government of Sindh, initiated to provide a reliable and efficient transportation option for Karachi’s residents. The project started in 2016, and after multiple delays, the first phase of the Green Line BRT system started its operations on August 7, 2021.
The Green Line route starts from Surjani Town in the north of Karachi and ends at Merewether Tower in the south. The entire length of the route is approximately 26 km, with 26 stations along the way. The route passes through several key areas of the city, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, II Chundrigar Road, and Karachi Railway Station.
How to Use Green Line Karachi?
Using Green Line Karachi is simple and easy. To use the Green Line BRT system, you need to purchase a smart card from the ticketing counters at any station. The smart card costs Rs. 130, which includes Rs. 50 as the initial balance, and Rs. 80 as the cost of the card. You can recharge your smart card with a minimum amount of Rs. 20 and a maximum of Rs. 5,000.
Once you have the smart card, you need to tap it on the fare collection machines at the entry and exit points of the stations. The fare for the Green Line BRT system is Rs. 50 for the entire route, and the same fare is charged for any distance between two stations.
The Green Line BRT system operates from 6 am to 10 pm, and the buses arrive at the stations every 3 to 5 minutes during peak hours and every 8 to 10 minutes during off-peak hours. The buses are equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and CCTV cameras for passenger safety.
Benefits of Green Line Karachi
The Green Line BRT system has several benefits for commuters and the city of Karachi. The most significant benefit is the reduction of traffic congestion in Karachi. The Green Line BRT system can transport up to 300,000 passengers daily, which can help reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads.
The Green Line BRT system is also a cost-effective transportation option for commuters. The fare for the Green Line BRT system is only Rs. 50 for the entire route, which is significantly lower than the cost of a private vehicle or a ride-hailing service.
How will the Karachi BRT benefit the city?
The Karachi BRT is expected to bring numerous benefits to the city, including:
- Improved connectivity: The BRT system will provide a fast and reliable transportation option for commuters, connecting various parts of the city and reducing travel time.
- Reduced traffic congestion: The dedicated bus lanes will help reduce traffic congestion on the city’s roads, making it easier for commuters to reach their destinations.
- Environmental benefits: The BRT system will help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as more people will be encouraged to use public transportation instead of private cars.
- Economic benefits: The BRT system will create job opportunities during the construction phase and will also help boost economic activity by improving connectivity between different parts of the city.
What is the current status of the Karachi BRT project?
The Karachi BRT project was launched in 2016, and its construction work started in 2017. However, the project has faced numerous delays and cost overruns. The latest estimated completion date is now 2023, with the first phase of the project (from Merewether Tower to Numaish) scheduled to be operational by the end of 2022. The project has faced criticism from various quarters for its slow progress and cost overruns.
What are the key features of the Karachi BRT?
The Karachi BRT will have the following key features:
- Dedicated bus lanes: The BRT corridor will have dedicated lanes for buses, which will be separated from the rest of the traffic.
- Elevated stations: The BRT stations will be elevated, making it easier for commuters to access the buses.
- Intelligent transportation system: The BRT system will have an intelligent transportation system (ITS) that will include real-time passenger information, automatic fare collection, and a GPS-based tracking system.
- Articulated buses: The BRT system will use articulated buses, which are longer and have a higher passenger capacity than regular buses.
- Pedestrian bridges: The BRT system will have pedestrian bridges at selected locations, allowing commuters to safely cross the road.
- Bicycle lanes: The BRT corridor will also have bicycle lanes, encouraging more people to use bicycles for short trips.
Another benefit of the Green Line BRT system is its accessibility. The system has 26 stations along the route, which are strategically located to provide easy access to various areas of the city. The stations are also equipped with facilities such as escalators, elevators, and ramps for people with disabilities.
Faq’s About Green Line Karachi BRT
Q1. What is the Green Line project in Karachi? A1. The Green Line project is a mass transit system that is currently under construction in Karachi, Pakistan. It will be a 27.5-kilometer bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor that will connect Surjani Town with Merewether Tower in the city center.
Q2. When is the Green Line project scheduled to be completed? A2. The Green Line project was scheduled to be completed in 2017, but it has faced numerous delays. The latest estimated completion date is now 2023.
Q3. What is the estimated cost of the Green Line project? A3. The estimated cost of the Green Line project is approximately PKR 24 billion (USD 150 million).
Q4. How will the Green Line project benefit the citizens of Karachi? A4. The Green Line project is expected to provide a fast, reliable, and affordable mass transit system to the citizens of Karachi. It will reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and travel time for commuters.
Q5. Are there any environmental concerns associated with the construction of the Green Line project? A5. Yes, there are some environmental concerns associated with the construction of the Green Line project. It is believed that the construction work may have an adverse impact on the local flora and fauna, as well as the groundwater table.
Q6. How many stations will be there on the Green Line corridor? A6. There will be a total of 25 stations on the Green Line corridor, including 15 elevated stations and 10 at-grade stations.
Q7. What is the expected ridership of the Green Line project? A7. The Green Line project is expected to have a daily ridership of approximately 300,000 passengers.
Q8. What type of buses will be used on the Green Line corridor? A8. The Green Line corridor will use articulated buses, which are longer and have a higher passenger capacity than regular buses.
Q9. Who is funding the Green Line project? A9. The Green Line project is being funded by the Government of Pakistan, the Asian Development Bank, and the French Development Agency.
Q10. Will the Green Line project connect to other mass transit systems in Karachi? A10. Yes, the Green Line project will connect to other mass transit systems in Karachi, including the Karachi Circular Railway and the proposed Blue Line and Orange Line BRT corridors.
