Karachi to get 180 solar-powered electric buses. The Sindh government is poised to revolutionize Karachi’s public transportation system with the introduction of 180 electric buses on the feeder routes of the Bus Rapid Transit Service (BRTS).
This eco-friendly initiative, revealed during a meeting between Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar and a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is a strategic move towards sustainable and efficient urban mobility.
The electric buses are set to be powered by solar energy, aligning with the government’s commitment to cleaner and greener transportation solutions.
Notably, this initiative not only seeks to enhance public transit but also aims to eliminate the need for operational subsidies in the public transport service.
In the discussions, Chief Minister Maqbool Baqar emphasized the transformative impact of electric buses on the BRT feeder routes, underscoring the government’s dedication to providing a reliable and environmentally friendly transportation option for the citizens of Karachi.
The project, slated to kick off its operational business plan at the close of December 2023, is part of the provincial government’s broader focus on climate change, resilience, and carbon credits.
Shakil Mangejo, Chairman of the Planning and Development Board Sindh, shared insights with the ADB delegation, highlighting the successful implementation of the Green and Orange Lines of BRTS in Karachi.
These existing lines cater to an estimated 50,000 passengers daily, and the integration of feeder route buses is expected to further fortify the connectivity and sustainability of the city’s overall transportation system.
The ADB, represented by F Cleo Kawawaki, Principal Director and Head of the Office of Market Development and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), expressed its wholehearted support for the electric bus project.
This collaboration underscores the bank’s commitment to working alongside the provincial government in realizing its vision for a modern and environmentally conscious public transport network.
In addition to the groundbreaking transportation initiative, Chief Minister Maqbool Baqar shed light on the West Karachi Recycled Water Project.
Recognizing Karachi as one of the most water-stressed cities with a population exceeding 20 million, Baqar stressed the urgent need for increased investment in water supply and treatment infrastructure.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has enlisted the ADB as the transaction adviser for an unsolicited proposal for a treatment plant at Haroonabad near Sindh Industrial Trade Estate (SITE).
With an estimated project cost of $180 million, the initiative aims to address water shortages, particularly in industrial areas like SITE.
The prequalification process has been successfully completed, with four bidders currently in the competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) stage.
As Karachi to get 180 solar-powered electric buses, ADB’s expert team is actively collaborating with the provincial government to finalize project documentation, marking a significant step towards ensuring a sustainable water supply for Karachi’s burgeoning population.
