Karachi is Getting 1,000 Electric Buses

The Sindh government is advancing plans to introduce 1,000 electric buses across Karachi as part of the Peoples Green Transport Project, with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah approving the hiring of transaction advisers to move the project forward.

The decision was finalized during a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Board, chaired by the Chief Minister. The session was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Saeed Ghani, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, and other senior officials.

Officials shared that the project had passed technical evaluation and aligns with sustainable transport goals. Instead of beginning a new selection process, the government will continue with previously appointed advisers to avoid delays and fast-track progress.

The advisers will now examine a proposal presented by a private consortium. If the idea proves viable, the plan will be rolled out in phases through a public-private partnership.

The project includes the deployment of 600 buses of 12 meters and 400 of 8 meters, operating under a 10-year concession based on per-kilometer payments. Ten depots will be established to support operations, and asset ownership will transfer to the government at the end of the term.

Additionally, the board reviewed updates on two other major developments: the Shahrah-e-Bhutto high-speed corridor stretching 39 kilometers from Korangi Creek Avenue to the M-9 Motorway, and the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone project.