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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sharjeel backs Senate push for KCR completion
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has welcomed the efforts of the Senate Committee on Railways regarding the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), saying that consultations are under way with international partners, including the Asian Development Bank. Sharjeel Memon said that the provincial government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, is fully committed to the completion of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), which will be undertaken on a priority basis. He expressed hope that the federal government would extend its cooperation in removing the hurdles facing the KCR project, adding that the Sindh Mass Transit Authority has been directed to coordinate with Pakistan Railways to expedite progress.
Business Recorder
28-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
World Bank team inspects Yellow Line BRT project
KARACHI: A high level delegation of World Bank visited the Yellow Line BRT project site office and inspected the ongoing construction near Jam Sadiq Bridge, Karachi Upon arrival at the site office, the delegation was received by Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon, Transport Secretary Asad Zamin, and Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo. The World Bank delegation comprised Regional Vice President Usman Deoni, Country Director for Pakistan Bolorma Amangabazar, Regional Practice Directors Fadia Saada and Almood Weitz, Operations Manager Gellius Draugelis, Special Assistant to the Regional Vice President Lubna Hadji, Operations Officer Hina Saleem Lotia, and Senior Executive Assistant Waleed Anwar. A meeting also convened upon the delegation's arrival at the Yellow Line BRT project site office. Sharjeel Inam Memon briefed the delegation comprehensively about the project, highlighting its importance, effect, and current status. He said that the Yellow Line BRT is a visionary and strategic project for Karachi, it will facilitate fast, affordable, and safe travel. The project will extend from Shahrah-e-Noor Jahan to the Korangi Industrial Area and Landhi and will serve millions of commuters on a daily basis. He stated that the Yellow Line will not only enhance citizen mobility but also stimulate economic activity. 'We aim to complete this project in line with international standards, with facilities comparable to those found in major global cities.' Memon emphasised that only electric buses will run on the Yellow Line BRT to ensure it remains fully environmentally friendly. He noted that Pakistan's first electric bus service and the Pink Bus Service for women were introduced under their leadership and are now operating successfully. Electric buses, he added, will significantly reduce environmental pollution and lead to substantial savings in fuel costs. He further said that an electric scooter program is being launched to give a boost to women, and in response to which, more than 8,000 applications were received. A major food chain company is also coming on board with the government to offer training, making sure women are well-equipped to be part of the scheme. Memon further said that this project is not merely a transport initiative; it's the groundwork for a social revolution. He also noted that work is progressing on the Karachi Circular Railway and the Karachi-to-Sukkur High-Speed Rail projects. He stated that to encourage investment, special economic zones have been established where investors are granted a ten-year tax exemption. While the rising value of the dollar has undoubtedly impacted the construction costs of the BRT project, the government remains committed to overcoming this challenge. The World Bank team commended the speed, vision, and quality of the Yellow Line BRT project and reiterated that Karachi, being a major city, needs more transport initiatives. They also expressed interest in the public-private partnership model and described the Sindh government's efforts as positive and forward-looking. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt allocates budget for EV taxis, scooters in FY26
The Sindh government has decided to allocate a significant budget in the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 for the procurement of additional buses and promotion of electric vehicles, including EV taxis and scooters. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the Sindh Transport and Mass Transit Department held in Karachi, chaired by Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon. The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, MD Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo, CEO TransKarachi Fawad Ghaffar Soomro, and other senior officials. A comprehensive review of ongoing and proposed projects, including the Peoples Bus Service and EV scooters initiative, was presented during the meeting. Sindh govt steps up efforts aimed at launching EV taxi service next month Discussions also focused on the development of charging infrastructure for EVs at multiple locations across the province. Minister Memon was briefed on the progress of projects undertaken during FY2024-25 and held in-depth discussions on the proposed initiatives for FY2025-26. The Sindh Mass Transit Authority also informed the minister about potential partnerships under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for launching new bus services. The forum was further informed that the critical segment of the Yellow Line BRT, including the Jam Sadiq Bridge, has been completed and may be inaugurated later this month. Memon instructed concerned authorities to expedite work on the Red Line BRT to ensure its timely completion. Speaking on the occasion, the senior minister said the Sindh government is committed to developing an environmentally sustainable and modern public transport system. 'We are striving to provide affordable and eco-friendly transport options to the public,' he said. He added that more buses are expected to arrive in Karachi soon, and the city will also see the introduction of double-decker buses. 'We've already launched successful initiatives like EV buses and the Peoples Bus Service in Karachi, and we are working to expand this network across the entire province,' he noted. Memon emphasized that the government aims to ensure modern transport services for citizens throughout Sindh. 'Our projects are aimed at streamlining traffic and modernizing the transport system on contemporary lines,' he concluded.
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt decides to unify online taxi services under one system
KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to unify all online taxi services operating in Karachi under a single system and expedite the launch of electric vehicle (EV) taxis. An important meeting of the Transport and Mass Transit Department was held in Karachi, chaired by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, specially attended by the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Investment and Public-Private Partnership, Qasim Naveed Qamar, along with Secretary Transport Asad Zamin and Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo. The meeting reviewed the progress in establishing new Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers, as well as, the performance of the existing centers in Karachi. It also discussed various models for providing EV taxis to the public on easy instalments. Additionally, the meeting evaluated the initiative to provide scooters to working women and female students. Speaking at the meeting, Sharjeel Inam stated that providing quality, safe and environment-friendly transportation facilities to the citizens of Karachi is the top priority of the Sindh government. He stated that efforts are under way to bring Karachi's taxi system under a single, integrated, and modern framework. All taxi services will be organised under one umbrella to ensure safe, standardised, and legally compliant facilities for passengers. This unified system will help improve fare regulation, service quality, and vehicle inspection standards. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Sindh announces plan for unified ride-hailing system and electric vehicle taxis in Karachi
Listen to article The Sindh government has unveiled plans to streamline all ride-hailing services in Karachi by implementing a unified regulatory framework, alongside the introduction of an Electric Vehicle (EV) taxi network. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting of the Sindh Transport Department, chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. The meeting also included key officials such as Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, Transport Secretary Asad Zaman, and Sindh Mass Transit Authority MD Kamal Dayo. Minister Memon highlighted that the unified system would enhance service quality, ensure passenger safety, and promote fare transparency across the city. 'We are working towards bringing all taxi services under a single, efficient system that guarantees fare transparency and strict vehicle inspections,' he stated. As part of its green transport strategy, the Sindh government is also fast-tracking the launch of an EV taxi service to modernise the city's taxi network and reduce environmental pollution. Efforts are underway to make EV taxis more accessible through easy financing options, including installment plans. The government is also focusing on gender-inclusive mobility by introducing a pink scooter programme aimed at women. In the first phase, 1,000 pink scooters will be distributed free of charge to working women and female students. 'This initiative reflects our commitment to women's empowerment and their access to safe and reliable transport,' Memon said. Furthermore, the Sindh government plans to phase out traditional buses in Karachi, relocating them to other districts, and replacing them with electric buses. Double-decker buses are set to arrive in June, with additional buses expected by early July. To support this transition, the government is working on the development of infrastructure, including EV charging stations and designated parking areas.
