Transport woes in Karachi

Karachi, Pakistan’s bustling metropolis, is grappling with a severe public transport crisis, as revealed during a recent meeting between interim Finance Minister Muhammad Younus Dagha and transport department officials. The stark reality is that only 1,029 public buses, a mere 5% of the required 15,000, are currently operational in the city. This staggering shortfall in public transport has left the majority of Karachi’s residents, who rely on it for their daily commutes, with limited options, often resorting to rickshaws out of sheer necessity.

The situation reflects a stark contrast to the city’s past lifestyle. Despite being the post populated metropolis of the country, resources are now scant and over the years, the transport infrastructure has either vanished, succumbing to economic pressures, or have become dilapidated, owing to persistent negligence and mismanagement. Consequently, the transport system has been gradually eroding, leaving residents grappling with daily inconveniences and inefficiencies. It is only recently that the initiation of a few bus services has breathed some life, but those merely make a difference when it comes to catering to such a huge populace. The interim finance minister has proposed two pragmatic solutions of procuring buses: through a Public-Private Partnership model and through easy loans incentives. While these plans are encouraging, their successful implementation is of paramount importance. The World Bank’s recommendation of 15,000 buses for a comprehensive public transport system underscores the enormity of the challenge at hand.

This public transport crisis is a challenge that demands immediate attention and innovative solutions. While the proposals discussed offer hope, their effective implementation must be prioritised to alleviate the daily struggles of the city’s commuters and pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient public transport system. A thriving and efficient transport network is not just a convenience but a vital component of a progressive and prosperous city.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2023.

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