Modernising and expanding public transport: Sindh govt approves slew of measures

KARACHI: The Sindh government has taken important decisions to modernise and improve the public transport system across the province. In this regard, a high-level meeting of the Transport and Mass Transit Department was held under the chairmanship of Senior Sindh Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon, in which detailed consideration was given to providing better travel facilities to citizens, launching new routes and special measures for women. The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, Managing Director Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kanwal Nizam Bhutto, Project Director of People’s Bus Service Sohaib Shafiq and other senior officials. The meeting decided that the Sukkur–Shikarpur People’s Bus Service will be formally launched this week, providing convenience to thousands of passengers travelling between the two cities. In the next phase of the project, bus services will also be introduced on the Khairpur–Rohri and Khairpur–Ranipur routes. It was agreed to expand the transport network across Sindh, including Karachi. Keeping in view the needs of the growing population, it was also decided to introduce new routes in Karachi. Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Sindh government is also developing special plans for Hyderabad, where the People’s Bus Service will soon operate on the Haider Chowk–Kohsar and Hyderabad–Tando Allahyar routes. The meeting also decided to purchase EV, hybrid and double-decker buses during the next fiscal year, while starting new bus services in different districts in phases. It was decided to soon hold ceremonies to provide pink scooters to women in Sukkur and Hyderabad under the vision of empowering women. Sharjeel Memon said that the Sindh government’s top priority is to provide safe and better travel facilities to women, and the provision of Pink Scooties in other cities after Karachi is an important link in this regard. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing work on charging stations and other necessary infrastructure for the launch of EV taxi and pink taxi services. Memon stated that all requirements related to the EV taxi service will be completed by the end of this month, after which the service will be made available to the public. He added that this initiative will not only provide modern travel facilities but also create new employment opportunities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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