Karachi’s Commute Set for Major Upgrade with New Bus Fleet
The Sindh government is poised to significantly enhance Karachi’s public transport infrastructure, with the imminent arrival of new double-decker and electric buses. These additions are expected to enter service on the city’s roads as early as next week, accompanied by the expansion of the Peoples Bus Service into additional districts across Sindh.
Double-Decker Buses Poised for Launch
Double-decker buses, a nostalgic yet modern solution for urban transit, are set to commence operations in Karachi. Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, who also oversees the transport department, confirmed that both the double-decker and electric vehicles are anticipated to reach the city by next week. This move is part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to modernize and expand public transportation options for citizens.
In a recent meeting, Minister Memon announced that new routes for the popular Peoples Bus Service would soon be established in other districts province-wide. The session, focused on reviewing transport initiatives, included key officials such as Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, Sindh Mass Transit Authority Managing Director Kanwal Nizam Bhutto, TransKarachi CEO Fawad Ghaffar Soomro, and Project Director of the Yellow Line Zameer Abbasi. The meeting underscored the province’s commitment to improved mobility, as reported by SindhNews.com.
Officials provided updates on the progress of the Yellow Line and Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, both crucial components of Karachi’s future transport network. Discussions also revolved around the planned launch of the EV taxi service in the city and the ongoing second phase of the Pink Scooties scheme, which aims to empower women with accessible transport.
The provincial government has ambitious plans, including the launch of the EV taxi service by December and the integration of another 500 buses into the fleet during the current financial year. Minister Memon issued directives for officials to finalize all operational preparations for upcoming routes and to initiate training programs for women and female students at all divisional headquarters.
Accelerating work on critical infrastructure projects remains a priority. Mr. Memon specifically instructed teams to expedite progress on the Yellow Line BRT, emphasizing the need for swift completion of depots and timely utility transfers to maintain project momentum. He also revealed that construction on the second part of the Taj Haider Bridge will begin shortly, while two-way traffic has already commenced on the existing section of the bridge. The arrival of the new double-decker buses is a key step in this comprehensive transport overhaul.
This comprehensive approach by the Sindh government aims to alleviate traffic congestion and provide more accessible, efficient, and sustainable public transport solutions for Karachi and other parts of Sindh. The introduction of double-decker vehicles and electric buses, alongside the expansion of existing services, marks a significant step towards a more connected urban landscape.