Karachi Needs 15,000 Buses, Says Sindh Chief Minister

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that Karachi needs around 15,000 buses to meet the transport demand. He shared this during a meeting with a World Bank delegation. The meeting was led by Ibrahim Khalil Zaki, who is the transport practice manager for the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. Other experts, including economists and transport specialists, were also part of the team. Sindh ministers and senior officials also attended the meeting.

The chief minister welcomed the delegation and said the World Bank is an important partner for Sindh. He explained Karachi’s transport problems and mentioned that the Yellow Line BRT project has already started with World Bank support. He said that once the Yellow Line and other BRT projects are completed, Karachi will see major improvements in public transport.

Murad Ali Shah added that Sindh has introduced electric buses to promote eco-friendly transport. He also said that the government is trying to launch the Karachi Circular Railway soon. In the meeting, it was decided that a complete transport master plan for Karachi will be made with the help of World Bank experts. The plan will also include a light rail project called “Karachi Metro.”

The World Bank offered to support setting up a transport industry in Karachi. The chief minister welcomed the offer and suggested establishing the industry in the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone through a public-private partnership. He announced that Sindh will bring 2,000 more electric buses with the help of the World Bank and private companies.

It was also decided to create a joint working group of Sindh government officials and World Bank experts. This group will review the progress of transport projects every month. Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon shared details of the Yellow Line BRT, which will cover 21 kilometers and include underpasses, flyovers, and modern stations. He said 268 buses will run on this route daily, carrying up to 300,000 passengers. Work on the Jam Sadiq Bridge road, part of the project, is already near completion.