Karachi to Modernize Public Transit with 500 Electric Buses Through Donor Funding
Karachi, October 27 — In a bid to revamp Karachi’s overstretched and outdated public transportation system, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah directed government officials to secure funding from international donor agencies to procure 500 electric buses. This major initiative, discussed in a high-level meeting at the CM House, is aimed at alleviating Karachi’s chronic traffic congestion and reducing pollution while offering a cleaner, more efficient public transport option to the city’s growing population.
The CM emphasized the need for sustainable transport upgrades, acknowledging that Karachi’s rapid growth has left its transit infrastructure unable to keep pace with demand, resulting in overcrowded, inefficient, and environmentally detrimental services.
Expanding Electric Bus Fleet and Environmental Impact
Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon shared that the transport department has proposed a fleet of 500 fully electric buses for Karachi, intending to enhance commuter experience and reduce both traffic and air pollution. This aligns with the provincial government’s broader goal to modernize Sindh’s transport sector to meet the evolving demands of the population and minimize environmental damage.
“The negotiations with donor agencies for adding buses to the city are already in progress,” Chief Minister Shah said, expressing optimism about securing the necessary funds to bring this project to fruition. “Our public transport system is vital to Karachi’s growth, and it needs urgent modernization to support the people of Karachi.”
Hybrid Bus Introduction in Sindh’s Divisions
In addition to Karachi’s electric buses, the provincial government plans to procure 300 hybrid diesel-electric buses, distributing 60 to each of the province’s five divisions, including Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad. These buses will enhance connectivity, provide a more reliable commuting option, and improve environmental standards in the province’s public transportation sector.
Memon added that the transport ministry is actively developing proposals to implement this plan and aims to achieve cleaner, more dependable intercity transport through these hybrid options. This strategy seeks to make public transport a more attractive option, helping curb the fare hikes imposed by private operators and enhancing safety.
Yellow Line BRT Project Progress and Private Partnerships
Another priority on the CM’s agenda is the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The transport ministry presented plans to invite private operators to finance, procure, operate, and maintain buses on the Yellow Line. The CM directed that the project’s feasibility study be completed by November 2024, enabling the government to approach potential donors.
Wastewater Recycling for Karachi’s Industries
The meeting also spotlighted the West Karachi Recycled Water Project-I (WKRWP), a vital environmental initiative that aims to process 35 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater, supplying 27 MGD of treated water to Karachi’s industrial hub in SITE. This project is expected to reduce reliance on freshwater, helping ease the strain on the city’s limited resources, and to improve environmental sustainability by discharging treated water safely into the sea.
The CM has requested the local government to update the project’s transaction structure and pursue donor funding, with a relaunch scheduled for November 2024.
Additional Information and Next Steps
The government’s multi-faceted plan reflects a commitment to overhauling Karachi’s public transport system, addressing commuter needs, and minimizing pollution. Through initiatives like electric buses, hybrid intercity transport, and sustainable water management, the provincial government is positioning Karachi as a future-forward city with robust infrastructure solutions.
In collaboration with donor agencies and private operators, the CM’s office is optimistic about completing these projects in a timely manner to relieve Karachi’s current infrastructure strains and position it as a model for sustainable urban development in Pakistan.
