Sindh approves 500 electric buses for Karachi, Hyderabad

KARACHI: The Sindh government has approved the operation of 500 electric buses in Karachi and Hyderabad to improve urban transport and promote eco-friendly mobility.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Board, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, along with board members and relevant officials.

The PPP Policy Board approved the Peoples Green Transport Project under the Public-Private Partnership mode to introduce a large fleet of electric buses in Karachi and Hyderabad. The Board endorsed the project’s scope, structure and risk matrix, and accepted the amended unsolicited proposal submitted by a private firm, granting it the Right of First Refusal and exemption from the prequalification process. It also authorised the initiation of the investor solicitation process to engage a private partner.

Under the project, 500 electric buses will be deployed in phases along with depots, charging infrastructure, bus shelters, and an automatic fare collection and intelligent transport system.

The project, to be executed on a DBFMOT model with a 12-year concession period, is expected to serve over 200,000 passengers daily, integrate with the Green Line BRT, and significantly improve urban mobility. The Board termed the initiative a major step toward clean, modern, and efficient public transport in Sindh.

During the session, the board approved several key projects, including the construction of an elevated expressway from Karachi Port to Qayyumabad, the plantation of riverine forests on 41,000 hectares in Jamshoro and Matiari, and the implementation of a concession agreement for the Science and Technology Park at NED University.

On the other hand, the meeting also decided to outsource the Radiology and Diagnostic Labs Services of Chandaka Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC)Karachi.