Karachi Gets Dual Infrastructure Push: World Bank-Backed Water Line Upgrade Begins, BRT Red Line Lot 2 Handed to FWO for Fast-Track Completion

Karachi witnessed two major infrastructure developments on April 26-27, 2026, as the Sindh government moved to address the city’s pressing water and transport challenges.Water Supply Upgrade at Dhabeji
In a significant step toward improving Karachi’s water distribution, the Karachi Water & Sewerage Board, with World Bank support, began interconnection work on a new 72-inch diameter main Line No. 5 at Dhabeji Pumping Station. KW&SB spokesperson Abdul Qadir Sheikh said work started at 1 PM to connect the new line to the existing network, along with installation of modern valves.Due to the work, water supply from Dhabeji Fourth Phase, K-II, and K-III has been temporarily suspended. Of the station’s 21 pumps, 9 were shut down, but 7 will resume operation from April 27. Two pumps will remain closed for five more days. The temporary shutdown will cause a shortfall of 250 million gallons, though 400 million gallons will continue to be supplied through other Dhabeji pumps and Hub Pumping Station.Sheikh said completion of the project will significantly improve water transmission across Karachi. Residents in affected areas have been urged to use water judiciously during the upgrade.BRT Red Line Lot 2 Revival
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced that construction of BRT Red Line University Road Lot 2 has been handed over to the Frontier Works Organization after poor quality work by the previous contractor.Visiting the site on Sunday, the CM said the Lot 2 contract was awarded four years ago but work quality was unsatisfactory. Following talks with DG FWO, construction activity will resume within two to three days. He apologized to citizens for delays and assured that the 12-km mixed traffic lane will be restored within three months.The main corridor of BRT Red Line Lot 2 will be re-tendered, the CM added. He guaranteed that work will continue even during Eid holidays to ensure speedy completion. “Public expectations are tied to the Sindh government. We will remove the difficulties faced by Karachi’s citizens and complete this project at the earliest,” he said.Both projects signal renewed momentum on Karachi’s critical civic infrastructure, with authorities promising strict monitoring to avoid further delays.