Karachi to launch double-decker, new EV buses next week

KARACHI: Public transport in Karachi is set for a major upgrade as the Sindh government prepares to launch double-decker buses and a new fleet of electric (EV) buses starting next week.

The announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Senior Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon on Tuesday.

During the meeting, officials briefed the minister on the progress of the Yellow Line and Red Line BRT projects. Sharjeel Memon expressed optimism that the new buses, including double-decker and EV models, would arrive in Karachi by next week, enabling the government to expand modern transport options across the city.

He confirmed that new EV bus routes will be launched alongside the double-decker service, while EV taxis are expected to begin operations by December. Additionally, another 500 buses under the People’s Bus Service are planned for rollout later this year.

Memon also announced that new People’s Bus Service routes will be introduced in several other districts of Sindh, aiming to provide reliable and affordable transportation to more communities. He instructed transport authorities to expedite operational preparations for the new routes to ensure timely implementation.

Highlighting an initiative to promote women’s mobility and empowerment, the senior minister revealed that training programs for women and female students to drive scooters are being launched.

Speaking about the ongoing rapid transit projects, Memon said work on the Yellow Line BRT is progressing and emphasized the need for faster construction. He directed contractors and officials to accelerate development work and complete the BRT depots at the earliest. He also stated that work on the second phase of the Taj Haider Bridge will begin soon.