World Bank Rates $382 Million Karachi Mobility Project As Moderately Unsatisfactory

The World Bank has rated the overall implementation progress of the “Karachi Mobility Project” worth $382 million, moderately unsatisfactory. The bank’s official documents revealed that the effective date of the project was November 26, 2019, however, only $18.88 million i.e. 4.9 percent of the total $382 million was disbursed so far. The implementation of the project has accelerated, especially following the hiring of the project management’s core team. Recruitment of additional staff to support the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) and public-private partnership (PPP) transaction services is planned, to encourage female applicants. The appointment of a Utility Coordination Committee has supported implementation under Component 1 which supports the development of the Yellow Corridor. The committee has started to consult on the technical aspects of the relocation of utilities in the BRT corridor with different stakeholders. The bank stated that the bus user satisfaction survey is at the procurement stage. On December 5, 2023, the SMTA issued the request for proposals (RFP). The contract will be signed by late February 2024 and the work will start on March 20, 2024. The scope of work includes women and transgender groups. Project documents noted that the development objective of the Karachi Mobility Project for Pakistan is to improve mobility, accessibility, and safety along selected corridors in Karachi. The project comprises three components. The first component, urban road infrastructure – yellow corridor includes: The second component, the development, and operationalization of a bus rapid transit (BRT) system – Yellow Corridor includes: The third component, capacity building and technical assistance includes: