The Sindh government is set to introduce new electric vehicle (EV) bus routes in Karachi as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the city’s public transportation network. This announcement was made by Sharjeel Inam Memon, the Senior Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, during a high-level meeting held on Friday. The initiative aims to provide residents with greener, more efficient travel options, especially ahead of the busy Eid holiday period.
During the meeting, which was chaired by Minister Memon himself, officials from the Transport and Mass Transit Department discussed comprehensive plans to enhance the public transport infrastructure in Karachi. A key decision was made to not only launch new EV bus routes but also to increase the fleet size by adding more double-decker buses alongside additional electric buses. These measures are intended to address the growing demand for reliable and affordable mass transit services in the sprawling metropolis.
Sharjeel Inam Memon revealed that the first new electric bus route will commence operations next week, connecting Gulshan-e-Iqbal to Tower, two major localities in Karachi. This route is expected to serve thousands of daily commuters, offering a cleaner and more comfortable alternative to conventional buses. Furthermore, the minister highlighted plans to gradually roll out the EV bus service to other districts across Sindh following the Eid festivities. Cities such as Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Sukkur, and Shikarpur are slated to benefit from this expansion, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving public transport beyond Karachi.
Emphasizing the broader vision behind these developments, Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that expanding the Peoples Bus Service to additional urban centers is aimed at providing citizens with affordable, high-quality travel options. He assured the public that the government remains focused on prioritizing and efficiently implementing all ongoing and future public transport projects. This approach is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting electric mobility.
The meeting also included detailed briefings from officials of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA), who outlined the current challenges related to road infrastructure that affect the smooth operation of bus services. Minister Memon acknowledged these issues and confirmed that the government is coordinating with relevant ministries to address problems encountered on Peoples Bus routes. He further noted that major road repair and improvement works in Karachi are being treated as a top priority to ensure better traffic flow and safer travel conditions for commuters.
Looking ahead, the Sindh Bank, the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF), and the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) are preparing to formalize their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) scheduled to be signed after Eid. This agreement will provide crucial financial and operational support for the expansion of electric bus services across the province. The partnership is expected to accelerate the adoption of EV technology in public transport, aligning with broader environmental goals and sustainable urban development strategies.
Overall, these developments mark a significant step forward in transforming Sindh’s public transportation landscape. By introducing new electric bus routes and expanding services to multiple districts, the government is working to create a more accessible, eco-friendly, and efficient transit system that meets the needs of its growing population.
