Karachi is home to over 20 million people, yet it remains severely lacking in an efficient and reliable public transport system. The daily commute for the average citizen is nothing short of a nightmare, with overcrowded buses, insufficient routes and an overall lack of safety measures.
The Karachi Circular Railway revival project, while promising on paper, has faced numerous delays and bureaucratic hurdles. Meanwhile, citizens continue to rely on outdated buses and rickshaws, often risking their lives, to reach their destinations. This is not only a daily inconvenience but also increases air pollution and road congestion, which have far-reaching social and environmental consequences.
To address this issue, the government must prioritise the development of a modern and sustainable public transport system. This includes expanding BRT networks and introducing electric buses to reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, public-private partnerships could be leveraged to expedite the development and operation of these systems. The city’s size and economic importance deserves a transport system that reflects its status and can serve as a catalyst for social and economic growth.
Safia Qureshi
Karach
