KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday approved the design of an underpass that would serve as a centre meeting point for passengers of the Bus Rapid Transit system at Numaish. The approval was given at a meeting to discuss BRT Green Line Bus project. Shah also gave a go ahead to plans to extend the ending point of Green Line from Jamia Cloth Market to the Tower. Briefing the Chief Minister at the meeting, Sauleh Farooqui, the principal secretary to the governor, said that the design had provision for a Mezzanine floor at Numaish where space will be dedicated for retail outlets. Since Numaish is going to be a central hub for BRT passengers, the commercial area has been envisaged to contribute significantly to BRT’s self-sustenance through non-fare revenue, Farooqui said. The chief minister suggested that the retail area or sopping area could be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) mode. “The timely completion of the project and start of bus services is of utmost importance for the provincial government. The people of Karachi have anxiously waited for the project,” he said. Shah later directed Sualeh Farooqui to invite tenders for the retail area by February 15 so that the contract could be awarded well in time. “I am interested in starting the project in April. Things should be moved accordingly,” he said. Shah directed the Green Line project director to notify the date of completion of BRT Green Line infrastructure so that the Sindh Mass Transit and Transport Authority (SMTA) could issue the notice of readiness accordingly. Transport Minister Syed Nasir Shah told the meeting that he had started preparation for procurement of buses for Green and Orange Line projects. Green Line project director Zubair Channa raised the issue of establishment of the Bus Depot at Surjani Town. The chief minister directed law secretary Iftikhar Shahlwani to make necessary amendment in the land document so that 3.5 acres of land could be developed as a dept. “This must be done within 15 days,” the CM said. The meeting was held at the CM House. Provincial Minister for Local Government Jam Khan Shoro, Chief Secretary Rizwan Memon, P&D Chairman Mohammad Waseem, Principal Secretary to CM Sohail Rajput, and Transport Secretary Saeed Awan were also present at the occasion. Green Line runs from Sajjani passing Numaish Chowrangi near Guru Mandar to head towards Jamia Cloth Market. From Sajjani to Market, the route is around 23 to 24 kilometres. About four to five more kilometers will now be added to the route as it gets extended to the Tower. Published in Daily Times, February 9th2018.