Double-decker buses have officially arrived in Karachi, marking a significant enhancement to the city’s public transportation network. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon inaugurated the service on Wednesday, confirming that these iconic vehicles would be accessible to the public starting January 1. Today’s launch involves preliminary testing on city roads before regular operations commence.
Karachi’s New Double-Decker Buses Hit the Road
The introduction of these double-decker buses realizes an initiative first announced by the Sindh government in October 2024. Addressing the media in Karachi, Minister Memon, who also holds the transport portfolio, stated, “Today marks the beginning of double-decker bus [services] in the city. They will be available to the public from tomorrow.” He highlighted that the launch on December 31 met the government’s promise to introduce the service by December 2025.
Initially, the double-decker buses will operate on a route connecting Malir to Sharea Faisal. The Sindh Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, has also reportedly instructed the expansion of double-decker buses to “every road in Karachi” in the coming year. Beyond central routes, future plans aim to cover tourist spots, presenting a positive image of the province, as confirmed by Minister Memon.
Expanding Public Transport Options
The Sindh government is committed to broadening transport facilities across the province in 2026. This includes designating new routes for electronic buses in Sindh, including Karachi, from next week. Minister Memon acknowledged public transport as a necessity and emphasized the government’s intention to facilitate commuters by providing services at subsidized rates. He mentioned that over 125,000 commuters currently utilize transport services under the People’s Bus Service project in Karachi daily. More details can be found on SindhNews.com.
Addressing concerns about road infrastructure, Memon revealed that the Sindh cabinet has allocated over Rs9 billion from the budget specifically for roads in industrial areas. Work on several other projects, such as the Shahrah-i-Bhutto Expressway in Karachi, is also actively underway. The aim is to integrate these new double-decker buses with improved road networks to ensure efficient service delivery.
The launch of double-decker buses is a forward step in alleviating Karachi’s long-standing mobility challenges. By introducing modern vehicles and expanding routes, the Sindh government aims to provide a more comprehensive and accessible public transport system for the city’s over 23 million residents.