The Sindh government has given the green light to modernize Karachi’s public transport by bringing in 500 electric buses, aiming to ease commuting for the city’s growing population while cutting down on air pollution. The decision came during a high-level meeting at CM House on Saturday, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Key attendees included ministers like Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab.
Addressing the pressing need for better public transport, Shah said that while the Peoples Bus Service and electric and Pink buses have improved things, it’s not enough. “We need a bigger fleet to meet the rising demand,” he remarked. Memon then suggested adding 500 electric buses to Karachi’s network, emphasizing that it would not only reduce traffic congestion but also promote a cleaner environment.
To push the project forward, Shah urged the relevant departments to wrap up the paperwork quickly and coordinate with donor agencies for funding. He also pointed out that improving transport in other parts of Sindh is just as important, considering how urbanization is straining the current services.
Apart from Karachi, the provincial government plans to buy 300 diesel-hybrid buses to boost connectivity across Sindh. Each division—Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad—will get 60 buses to ensure eco-friendly travel options. There’s also talk about bringing in 300 electric buses for intercity travel, with Karachi receiving a share of 60 buses.
The meeting also reviewed the Yellow Line BRT project, a 21-kilometre route from Dawood Chowrangi to Numaish. Shah urged the transport department to finalize the project’s feasibility by November, considering electric buses as a potential option for the route.
