Sindh Seeks Nod to Add 500 Electric Buses to Fleet

Staff Report

KARACHI: Sindh has moved to expand its electric public transport network, with the Transport Department seeking cabinet approval to purchase 500 electric buses for phased deployment across the province.

Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon said on Wednesday that the department had submitted a summary to the provincial cabinet for approval of the proposed purchase.

He said the buses would be introduced in different cities in phases after the cabinet’s approval, as the provincial government works to broaden modern public transport beyond Karachi.

Memon said the government was steadily expanding the People’s Bus Service, with new routes being introduced to provide citizens with affordable and improved transportation facilities.

He also announced that 50 double-decker buses were expected to arrive in Sindh by November 30. The buses would be deployed on various routes to increase passenger capacity and improve public transport services.

The minister said the launch of the People’s Bus Service in Qambar-Shahdadkot had received an encouraging response, with residents of Qambar, Shahdadkot and adjoining areas welcoming the modern transport facility.

He described the proposed electric bus purchase as another major step towards strengthening Sindh’s public transport infrastructure and addressing the growing mobility needs of citizens.

Earlier, on June 28, Memon had announced that the provincial government would introduce a Pink Taxi Scheme for women as part of its wider electric vehicle transport initiative.

Speaking in the Sindh Assembly, he said several measures had been taken to support women’s mobility and empowerment, adding that the Pink Taxi Scheme wouldfollow the launch of the Pink Scooter programme.

Memon said traffic police had been directed to take action if men were found using pink scooters allocated under the scheme. He said complaints had been received that some women’s brothers were using the scooters, prompting authorities to issue necessary instructions.

He said the upcoming EV Pink Taxi Scheme would feature a fleet of taxis dedicated to women, while further details would be announced by the provincial government. Highlighting Sindh’s transport initiatives, Memon said the province was the first in Pakistan to introduce electric buses. Responding to criticism over the number of scooters distributed under the Pink Scooter Scheme, he said only 150 women possessed driving licences when the programme was initially launched.