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Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Reconstruction work stalls over land dispute
For a city as big as Karachi, a citywide transit network is crucial for addressing the transportation needs of the low-income masses and reducing the atmospheric pollution plaguing the industrial hub. Yet progress on public transport projects like the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) has remained minimal due to persistent land disagreements between state bodies. According to information received by The Express Tribune, in 2021, on the directions of the Supreme Court, Pakistan Railways had started development work on underpasses and flyovers at various places in the city to eliminate the KCR gates. "The revival of the Karachi Circular Railway was planned to be done in two phases. The first phase, costing Rs20 billion, involved the elimination of 24 railway crossings while the second project concerned the revival of the Circular Railway, including the construction of double tracks, reconstruction of stations and purchase of light rail. This phase was estimated to cost Rs200 billion under a public-private partnership. The entire project was to be completed in two years," said an official from Pakistan Railways, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The official further revealed that in 2022, caretaker Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the request of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, directing Pakistan Railways to immediately hand over all the assets and land of the Karachi Circular Railway to the Sindh government. However, senior officials of Pakistan Railways were skeptical on the grounds that the construction, repair and operation of the railway system was a highly technical task requiring ample experience, which the Sindh government lacked. Since the federal government rejected the concerns of Pakistan Railways, development work on the railway crossings of the KCR was halted three years ago. According to the concerned officer, underpasses, flyovers and elevated rail tracks were to be constructed at seven locations along the 44 kilometre loop of the Karachi Circular Railway. Work on two underpasses at Gulshan-e-Iqbal 13D had started three years ago, 70 per cent of which had been completed. In addition, a railway overhead bridge at Hussainabad, a 3.5 kilometre elevated track from Musa Colony to Manghopir and a 6.5 kilometre elevated rail track from Gulbai Phatak to West Wharf were also under construction. Moreover, an underpass was to be constructed on University Road and a flyover at Ahmed Shah Bukhari, Machar Colony. Unfortunately, none of this could be completed. Dr Syed Nawaz Al-Huda, a regional planner, was of the opinion that had the Karachi Circular Railway project been completed in time, the people of Karachi would not have been victims of so many road accidents today. "In principle, this project should remain with Pakistan Railways because the Sindh government has no experience in railway construction and operations. It has been 36 years since the closure of the KCR, but this project is still plagued by the red tape," highlighted Dr Al-Huda, who implored the government to complete this project on a priority basis. Addressing the criticism, Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) Kamal Hakim Daio told The Express Tribune that the Sindh government had not yet taken over the Karachi Circular Railway project. "Pakistan Railways has not yet handed over the land and assets of the Circular Railway to the Sindh government since it is seeking land or compensation in exchange. The Sindh government is still in the process of negotiating for the land for the KCR project, which will cost 2 billion US dollars," said Daio. On the other hand, a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways assured that progress was being made on land-related matters in connection with the KCR project. "Details of the land of KCR have been shared by Pakistan Railways with the SMTA while discussions are also underway with the Board of Revenue, Sindh Management and Budgetary Reforms (SMBR) and the provincial government. No final decision has been made yet," claimed the official.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mihan housing society goes green, gets EV charging station for residents
Nagpur: A residential housing society in MIHAN has taken a progressive step towards sustainability by inaugurating a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging station exclusively for its residents. MIHAN, just a few months back, was grappling with even basic civic amenities. The facility, now fully operational, aims to encourage the adoption of cleaner transportation options within the community. Equipped with both DC fast chargers and AC charging points, the station is designed to cater to a range of electric vehicles , ensuring convenience for all types of EV users. The dual charging options also mean that residents can choose between quick top-ups or longer, overnight charging sessions depending on their needs. The initiative was spearheaded by the society's managing committee, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental responsibility at the community level. By integrating green infrastructure into the premises, the society hopes to inspire more residents to switch to electric vehicles. Pratiksha Birole, a resident of the housing society, said, "The EV station draws its power from the existing substation, with proper permissions in place. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo A green meter application has already been submitted, and installation work was carried out by the service provider, with the housing society issuing the required No Objection Certificate (NOC)." He also added that, in terms of safety and infrastructure, the society has taken all necessary measures. The charging area is under 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and fire extinguishers have been installed to ensure emergency preparedness. Adequate parking space around the charging station further adds to user convenience. Rest assured, we didn't even have to pay a single penny to install the station. Residents will be charged Rs20 per unit of electricity consumed, plus applicable GST — rates that are competitive while covering operational and maintenance costs. This development reflects a broader shift towards eco-conscious living, with housing communities beginning to play an active role in India's EV revolution. As the demand for electric vehicles rises, such resident-focused initiatives could pave the way for greener urban living. By taking this step, the society not only enhances the convenience of EV ownership but also strengthens its commitment to a sustainable future.
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Demand for butchers and charges go up
With Eidul Azha less than a week away, demand for butchers in the capital has surged significantly, driven by the anticipated increase in the slaughter of sacrificial animals during the Islamic festival. While some residents have already purchased their animals, many are still searching for suitable livestock. In this context, the role of butchers has become crucial for ensuring proper slaughter and meat preparation. Owing to their high demand and limited availability, professional butchers have increased their service charges compared to last year. Khawar Shehzad, a butcher who also runs a meat shop in Islamabad's sector I-10, said that Eidul Azha is a special Islamic festival following the slaughtering of animals at a mass level, highlighting that everyone looked for professional butchers to chop their meat, which sparked high demand. "Everyone looks for a professional and skilled butcher on Eidul Azha to ensure quality meat cutting - this is our peak season," he said. Shehzad shared his slaughtering rates for this year, noting that cow slaughtering on the first day of Eid is priced at Rs25,000, while the rate drops to Rs20,000 on the second day. By the third day, the charges range between Rs15,000 and Rs18,000, depending on demand. The charges for goat and sheep sacrifices range from Rs6,000 to Rs7,000, he added. While residents of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) are eagerly preparing for Eidul Azha, many have expressed concerns over the soaring prices of sacrificial animals and the high fees charged by butchers. Tariq Mahmood, a resident of the same sector who purchased his animal on Eid, said that he was trying to get the booking of a professional butcher for his meat preparation, who has high rates and high demand, adding, "If I can't book one, I'll go with a seasonal one." According to Tariq, the seasonal butchers are more or less equally efficient and skilled, sharing his previous year's experience. Despite the fact that the demand for professional and skilled butchers is notably high, people somehow manage to find a suitable person to sacrifice their animal. To help meet the growing demand, many butchers from across the country also travel to Islamabad during Eid. These visiting butchers often charge slightly less and provide a practical solution to the city's shortage of skilled labour. Their presence also provided them an opportunity to enhance their earning more than they typically have in their hometowns.
Express Tribune
17 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
KCR reconstruction work stalls over land dispute
For a city as big as Karachi, a citywide transit network is crucial for addressing the transportation needs of the low-income masses and reducing the atmospheric pollution plaguing the industrial hub. Yet progress on public transport projects like the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) has remained minimal due to persistent land disagreements between state bodies. According to information received by The Express Tribune, in 2021, on the directions of the Supreme Court, Pakistan Railways had started development work on underpasses and flyovers at various places in the city to eliminate the KCR gates. "The revival of the Karachi Circular Railway was planned to be done in two phases. The first phase, costing Rs20 billion, involved the elimination of 24 railway crossings while the second project concerned the revival of the Circular Railway, including the construction of double tracks, reconstruction of stations and purchase of light rail. This phase was estimated to cost Rs200 billion under a public-private partnership. The entire project was to be completed in two years," said an official from Pakistan Railways, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The official further revealed that in 2022, caretaker Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the request of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, directing Pakistan Railways to immediately hand over all the assets and land of the Karachi Circular Railway to the Sindh government. However, senior officials of Pakistan Railways were skeptical on the grounds that the construction, repair and operation of the railway system was a highly technical task requiring ample experience, which the Sindh government lacked. Since the federal government rejected the concerns of Pakistan Railways, development work on the railway crossings of the KCR was halted three years ago. According to the concerned officer, underpasses, flyovers and elevated rail tracks were to be constructed at seven locations along the 44 kilometre loop of the Karachi Circular Railway. Work on two underpasses at Gulshan-e-Iqbal 13D had started three years ago, 70 per cent of which had been completed. In addition, a railway overhead bridge at Hussainabad, a 3.5 kilometre elevated track from Musa Colony to Manghopir and a 6.5 kilometre elevated rail track from Gulbai Phatak to West Wharf were also under construction. Moreover, an underpass was to be constructed on University Road and a flyover at Ahmed Shah Bukhari, Machar Colony. Unfortunately, none of this could be completed. Dr Syed Nawaz Al-Huda, a regional planner, was of the opinion that had the Karachi Circular Railway project been completed in time, the people of Karachi would not have been victims of so many road accidents today. "In principle, this project should remain with Pakistan Railways because the Sindh government has no experience in railway construction and operations. It has been 36 years since the closure of the KCR, but this project is still plagued by the red tape," highlighted Dr Al-Huda, who implored the government to complete this project on a priority basis. Addressing the criticism, Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) Kamal Hakim Daio told The Express Tribune that the Sindh government had not yet taken over the Karachi Circular Railway project. "Pakistan Railways has not yet handed over the land and assets of the Circular Railway to the Sindh government since it is seeking land or compensation in exchange. The Sindh government is still in the process of negotiating for the land for the KCR project, which will cost 2 billion US dollars," said Daio. On the other hand, a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways assured that progress was being made on land-related matters in connection with the KCR project. "Details of the land of KCR have been shared by Pakistan Railways with the SMTA while discussions are also underway with the Board of Revenue, Sindh Management and Budgetary Reforms (SMBR) and the provincial government. No final decision has been made yet," claimed the official.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Armed marauders out to loot sacrificial animals
The snatching of sacrificial animals at gunpoint continues unchecked in the plagued by crime. As if wails of people for being robbed of cell phones and motorcycles were not enough, the robbers have now taken up hauling away hundreds and thousands rupees worth of cows, bulls, goat and sheep. In a similar incident which laid bare the performance of law enforcers, gun totting robbers looted a rickshaw, three sheep, and a mobile phone from a man who had raised the animals at his home with the hope of making profit from sale on Eidul Azha. Muhammad Rashid Saleem , a barber, was left devastated from the heist on the main road near Aisha Manzil within the limits of Azizabad police station late on Thursday night. Police have registered a case and started an investigation. Saleem, a resident of FC Area Liaquatabad, told police that he occasionally buys and sells sheep for Eidul Azha to supplement his income. On May 29, after finishing his work near Pyala Hotel, he was heading home in his rickshaw with three sheep when four armed men on two motorcycles intercepted him near the overhead bridge in the Aisha Manzil area. They snatched the sacrificial animals and his mobile phone at gunpoint and fled. SHO Azizabad Amir Azam confirmed that an incident of snatching sheep from a rickshaw near Aisha Manzil has been reported by a citizen named Rashid Saleem after which a case under sections 392/397/34 has been registered at Azizabad police station. The police have inspected the crime scene, obtained CCTV footage, and initiated action. Azam added that police mobile and motorcycle patrols have been increased in Azizabad limits, especially in view of Eidul Azha. Meanwhile, on Thursday, armed robbers entered a livestock farm in Orangi Town, taking employees hostage and stealing seven sacrificial animals worth approximately Rs20 lac. The incident occurred on Thursday morning in the Iqbal Market station area. Police registered a case and collected evidence from the crime scene. An investigation is underway to identify the culprits, with efforts to obtain CCTV footage to track down the suspects and their vehicles.
