January 2, 2020
On a recent trip to Sydney, I saw their new Sydney Light Rail project under testing and it reminded me of the tram system we commuted in Prague and Zagreb.
Karachi is a city of almost 30 Million residents (forget what the “census” says!). The City is held “hostage” to the traditional bus mafia- unsafe, rash & decrepit. While the Sind Government is trying to get it’s overdue Bus Metro project started (Lahore is way ahead of us with their Metro!), in a metropolis of this size, our mass transit has to be revolutionized and modernized … and the only way is Metro or a solar powered, Light Rail/Tram system.
The advantages of a light rail network is that it runs above ground – we don’t really know the plans of our buildings’ foundations so better to stick to above-ground solutions.
Like most cities of the world, distances in Karachi are great. Unlike many cities in the world, Karachi still has wider roads – but as the traffic and parking is not controlled, we remain “bumper to bumper” when driving. However, if safe parking plazas are built & operated and car, bus & motorcycles’ driving in lanes are regulated, I don’t see why we cannot actually convert one lane (each-way) on each of our main arteries and larger streets to a tram network. Using the Sun to power the Rail during the day, we will also protect environmental damage and conserve electricity.
We need to MOVE PEOPLE safely and quickly- this will never happen with our current bus service.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way to success!
