Indeed, Karachi badly requires a Mass Transit System in-order to fulfill the needs of its growing population. This will not only help in economic prosperity of the city but also its people and the indirect advantages that it may bring. The mobility of people and goods apart from the large investment in the local economy could all be credited to this project.

Nonetheless, there are quite a few other points to ponder about. What about the need for safe-guarding the environment, what about further congestion that this project may cause when it is finally implemented and what about the fact that there are quite alternatives which are available… all easier to undertake and implement.

For a project of this size and magnitude, it is undeniably true that not just the present or the near future but even the distant future should be kept in mind before making decisions. Indeed, when the financial and technical burdens are overcome, it is time to evaluate and see as to what will be its direct and indirect advantages and disadvantages.

There are many cheaper and easier options available: Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), perhaps a better bus service with a combination of KCR and feeder buses or maybe a better traffic flow system. Nonetheless, they can only be implemented and decisions would only be made if technocrats and not bureaucrats make them.

I am willing to accept that the KMTP is indeed a step in the right direction. Technology and investment in the local infrastructure is badly needed but this should not be done when the environment, the people and history itself has to pay a very high price because as evident from other great cities of Asia like Manila and Bangkok, the project may do more harm than good.