In a groundbreaking move toward environmental sustainability and efficient public transportation, the Sindh government has announced its decision to deploy 180 electric buses on the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) feeders in Karachi. The decision, made during a high-profile meeting at the Chief Minister House, aims to revolutionize the city’s public transportation system, reduce carbon emissions, and eliminate the need for operational subsidies.
Led by Sindh Chief Minister Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar, the meeting included a significant delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), headed by Ms. F. Cleo Kawawaki, Principal Director and Head of the Office of Market Development and Public-Private Partnerships (OMDP). The delegation expressed its support for the project, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the ADB and the provincial government.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to combatting pollution and enhancing public transport by introducing electric buses on BRTS feeder routes. The project, set to kick off its operational business plan (feasibility study) by the end of December 2023, is expected to interconnect existing and future BRTS lines, providing long-term sustainability to the overall system.
Shokat Mangi, Chairman of Planning and Development (P&D), informed the ADB CEO that the Green and Orange Lines in Karachi aim to facilitate daily travel for approximately 50,000 passengers. With the inclusion of feeder routes and the introduction of electric buses, the entire system will be interconnected, fostering efficiency and convenience for commuters.
Transport Secretary revealed that around 170-180 electric buses would be integrated into existing BRTS routes, including the Green and Orange Lines. To reduce operational costs, solarization under the wheeling mechanism will be implemented to generate partial electricity. This strategic approach is anticipated to fulfill the entire electricity demand through both tariff and non-tariff methods, effectively eliminating the need for operational subsidies.
Ms. F. Cleo Kawawaki, Head of OMDP at ADB, expressed her organization’s strong support for the project and lauded the collaborative efforts with the provincial government. She highlighted the ongoing work between ADB and the government in various sectors, indicating a commitment to sustainable development in the region.
In addition to the electrification of public transportation, the meeting also addressed the water crisis in Karachi. Chief Minister Bakar emphasized the need to address water shortages in the city, with the ADB advised to consider a non-operational proposal for a water treatment plant near Haroonabad in SITE under the West Karachi Recycle Water Project.
The meeting concluded with discussions on potential cooperation in new areas, including disaster resilience, urban development, digitization, and collaboration on carbon markets, signaling a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to sustainable development in the region.
