As part of the World Bank’s official mission to Pakistan, a high-level delegation undertook a visit to review critical components of the Karachi Mobility Project (Yellow Line) on April 7, 2025. The visit included a comprehensive tour of significant project locations, most notably the Jam Sadiq Interchange and BRT depots. This visit underscored the World Bank’s enduring commitment to advancing Karachi’s transformation into a city with sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban mobility solutions.
Delegation Leadership and Participants
The World Bank delegation was led by Mr. Pankaj Gupta, South Asia Regional Practice Director for Infrastructure, who has played a pivotal role in steering infrastructure development initiatives across the region. Accompanying him were senior World Bank officials including Ms. Jen, Practice Manager for Transport, who brings deep expertise in urban mobility, and Mr. Lincoln Flor, Task Team Leader (TTL) for the Yellow Line BRT, responsible for overseeing the project’s technical and operational aspects.
The mission team also included:
- Mr. Sascha
- Mr. Anis
- Mr. Hasan
- Ms. Sara
- Mr. Bilal
Each of these members contributed their respective expertise and insights, making the visit a comprehensive review of ongoing progress.
Briefings and Site Visits
Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Zameer Abbassi, Project Director of the Karachi Mobility Project’s Yellow Line corridor, along with his dedicated team. The hosts conducted an extensive briefing session, outlining the latest updates on construction progress, engineering innovations, and the integration of social and environmental safeguards.
The delegation was then taken on a guided site visit, where they inspected live construction works at the Jam Sadiq Interchange — a critical node of the corridor — and observed operations at the BRT depot area. Project engineers and on-site staff provided real-time demonstrations and updates, highlighting both the challenges faced and the achievements made in this complex urban infrastructure endeavor.
World Bank Officials’ Remarks
Expressing his appreciation, Mr. Lincoln Flor acknowledged the substantial progress accomplished under difficult urban conditions, emphasizing the resilience and dedication of the implementing teams. He noted that such achievements not only reflect technical competence but also a strong commitment to public service.
Ms. Jen commended the project’s integrated approach, which combines infrastructure development with institutional strengthening and stakeholder engagement. She reiterated the World Bank’s readiness to continue offering both technical assistance and institutional support to ensure successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the Yellow Line BRT system.
Conclusion of the Visit
The visit concluded on a highly constructive and optimistic note. It reinforced the collaborative spirit between the World Bank and the Government of Sindh in delivering a modern, inclusive, and future-ready Bus Rapid Transit system for Karachi. The mission reaffirmed the shared goal of creating a safer, more accessible urban transport environment that meets the needs of Karachi’s growing population while promoting sustainable development.
