500 more electric buses to hit city's roads

Water recycling, TP4 project to be launched with revised transaction structure

KARACHI:

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah presided over a joint meeting of different departments, reviewing the progress of projects in the pipeline and discussing new projects that could be launched with the assistance of donor agencies.

The meeting was held at CM House on Saturday and was attended by provincial ministers, Minister Transport Sharjeel Memon, Minister Energy Nasir Shah, Minister Industries Jam Ikram, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, and concerned secretaries.

The CM observed that Karachi's public transport system is overwhelmed by its growing population and outdated fleet, resulting in overcrowded, inefficient, and environmentally harmful services. He said the induction of Peoples Bus Service, electric Buses and Pink Buses have made a difference but even then a big fleet of buses was required to resolve the issue of public transport. Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon told the CM that to tackle these challenges and promote sustainable urban mobility, his department has proposed the induction of 500 fully electric buses into the city's transportation network. The move would enhance the commuter experience, reduce traffic congestion, and significantly lower air pollution.

The CM then told the attendees that the proposal of the transport department is being discussed with the donor agencies, and hopefully, he will secure the funds. He directed the P&D and transport departments to get the required paperwork done.

300 Diesel-hybrid Buses

CM Shah said the transport system across Sindh, excluding Karachi, was in dire need of modernisation and expansion to meet the growing demands of its population. "As the province continues to develop economically and socially, the current public transport offerings struggle to keep pace," he said.

Sharjeel Memon informed the meeting that his department was working on a proposal aiming to procure 300 diesel-hybrid buses, allocating 60 buses to each of the five divisions of Sindh, to enhance connectivity, improve environmental standards, and ensure a reliable and efficient mode of transport for all residents.