KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced new plans to improve eco-friendly transport in the province, including the purchase of more buses and funds for electric vehicle (EV) taxis and scooters in the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Sindh Minister for Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon. Senior officials, including Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) MD Kamal Dayo, and TransKarachi CEO Fuad Ghaffar Soomro, attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed key projects under the transport department, including the People’s Bus Service, electric scooters, and setting up EV charging stations across Sindh. Memon was also briefed on the department’s performance during the outgoing fiscal year 2024-25 and discussed plans for the next year.
Officials informed that private investors are launching new bus services under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Work on the Jam Sadiq Bridge—part of the Yellow Line BRT—has been completed and will be inaugurated soon. Efforts are also underway to fast-track the Red Line BRT project.
Sharjeel Memon said the government is committed to providing modern, affordable, and environment-friendly transport to the people of Sindh. “We are working to expand the People’s Bus Service and introduce double-decker buses in Karachi. More buses will arrive soon,” he said.
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He added that successful projects like EV buses and public bus services would be extended to every part of Karachi and Sindh. “We want every citizen to benefit from improved travel options,” Memon said.
He also shared updates from his recent visit to China, where he met with officials of Chery Holdings Group. The Chinese firm expressed interest in setting up EV charging stations across Sindh. Memon said EV charging stations will be established every 50 kilometers in all districts, helping owners of electric bikes, cars, and trucks.
An assembly plant for EV mini-trucks is also being set up in Karachi. Memon said these developments will not only modernize transport but also create job opportunities.
Mayor Wahab Demands Fair Share for Karachi in Federal Budget
In a separate development, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has urged the federal government to allocate more funds for Karachi in the upcoming budget. Speaking at a press conference at the KMC head office, Wahab said the city deserves at least Rs100 billion as a development grant.
He called on all political parties, especially MQM, to raise their voice in Parliament for Karachi’s rights. “Everyone talks about empowering local bodies, but Karachi still lacks real support,” he said.
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Wahab also praised the city’s sanitation teams for their work during Eidul Azha. He said 146,801 tonnes of offal and garbage were moved to landfill sites at Jam Chakro, Gond Pass, and Sharafi Goth.
Between June 7 and June 9 alone, 95,164 tonnes of offal and 51,637 tonnes of garbage were collected. A total of 96 collection points were set up across 25 towns, and residents could report complaints via the 1128 helpline. Out of 3,699 complaints, 97.4% were resolved, Wahab said.
The cleanup operation involved town chairpersons, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), and elected officials. Small vehicles collected waste from streets and moved it to collection points, where dumpers transported it to landfill sites.
