Sindh Government Announces Expansion of Karachi Bus Fleet

Sindh Government Announces Expansion of Karachi Bus Fleet and Accelerates Red Line BRT Project

KARACHI: In a major push to improve urban mobility, the Sindh government has formally decided to induct additional buses into Karachi’s public transport network while simultaneously ordering an acceleration of work on the under-construction Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

The decisions were taken during a high-level meeting of the Transport and Mass Transit Department, chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. The session focused on reviewing progress on ongoing infrastructure schemes and addressing the severe commuting difficulties faced by residents of Pakistan’s largest metropolis.

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Officials announced that the provincial government is expediting the launch of new buses to provide immediate relief to commuters. The minister directed authorities to prioritize routes where citizens face the most severe transportation problems, ensuring that the expansion provides safe, affordable, and dignified travel facilities.

This development follows the recent successful reintroduction of double-decker buses in the city after a nearly 65-year gap. Earlier this year, the Sindh government launched a fleet of 39 buses—including five diesel-run double-decker buses and 34 electric vehicles (EVs)—imported from China for Rs3 billion. The service was initially inaugurated on the Malir-Saddar route and has recently been extended to Tower.

During the inauguration in December 2025, Memon had stated that, on the instructions of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, double-decker buses would be rolled out on all major roads of the city throughout 2026.

The meeting received a detailed briefing from the CEO of Trans Karachi, Fawad Ghaffar Soomro, regarding the development work on the Red Line BRT project. Officials presented an update on progress achieved so far, challenges being faced, and future targets.

While noting that the current pace of work is “generally satisfactory,” Sharjeel Inam Memon directed all relevant departments to ensure daily monitoring of progress to further accelerate construction. He emphasized that the Sindh government considers the timely completion of the corridor a top priority, as it is crucial for easing commuting problems, reducing traffic congestion, and alleviating the daily difficulties faced by residents.

To minimize disruption during construction, the minister ordered strict implementation of alternative traffic management plans. He also emphasized the need for a comprehensive public awareness campaign to keep citizens informed about development work and associated road closures, ensuring they face minimal inconvenience.

In addition to the bus fleet expansion, Sharjeel Inam Memon directed authorities to immediately commence construction work on the second phase of the Senator Taj Haider Bridge.

These measures are part of a broader strategy to transform Karachi’s public transport landscape. The government is also working on the Yellow Line BRT in Korangi, which is notable for being Pakistan’s first BRT project to feature electric buses, developed with the support of the World Bank.

The senior minister reiterated that the Sindh government remains committed to providing Karachi with a modern and efficient public transport system, asserting that the combination of BRT projects and the addition of new buses will significantly improve the city’s public transport system and contribute to a positive transformation of urban life.

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