KARACHI
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a joint meeting of different departments at CM House here Saturday to review the progress of the projects in the pipeline and some new projects that could be launched with the assistance of the donor agencies.
The meeting 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.
During the meeting, the CM observed that Karachi’s public transport system was overwhelmed by its growing population and outdated fleet, resulting in overcrowded, inefficient, and environmentally harmful services. He added that 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 public transport issue of the city.
Minister Transport Sharjeel Memon told the CM that to tackle these challenges and promote sustainable urban mobility, his department had proposed him the induction of 500 fully electric buses into the city’s transportation network. He added that the move would enhance the commuter experience, reduce traffic congestion, and significantly lower air pollution.
The CM said that the proposal of the transport department has started discussions with the donor agencies, and hopefully, he will secure the funds. He directed the P&D and transport departments to finalise the required paperwork.
Murad Shah said that the transport system across Sindh, outside of 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.
Minister Transport Sharjeel Memon said 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. He said 60 buses would be given to each Division – Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas and Shaheed Benazirabad.
