Sindh plans 500 electric buses as public transport expands

The Sindh Transport Department has prepared the proposal for the provincial cabinet, with the buses planned to be introduced in different cities in phases.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the government wants to expand modern public transport beyond Karachi and provide better facilities to passengers across the province.

The proposal is part of wider efforts to increase the availability of cleaner and more modern public transport in Sindh.

According to the plan discussed by the Sindh Mass Transit Authority, the government is completing the required technical and administrative procedures before seeking cabinet approval.

This means the purchase is currently at the approval stage rather than being a completed procurement.

Electric buses planned for wider city coverage

Memon said the People’s Bus Service was being expanded through new routes to provide affordable and improved transport facilities.

The government has also been introducing the service in cities outside Karachi, with the recent launch in Qambar-Shahdadkot receiving a positive response from residents, according to the minister.

The expansion is aimed at giving passengers in smaller cities access to modern buses instead of limiting such services to the provincial capital.

The proposed 500 electric buses would add to this wider transport network once the necessary approvals and procurement procedures are completed.

Earlier plans also indicated that electric buses would be introduced through a public-private partnership model, with charging infrastructure and depot arrangements forming part of the system.

In May, the Sindh government’s transport board had discussed a 500-bus EV plan involving Karachi and Hyderabad. That proposal envisaged 450 buses for 25 Karachi routes and 50 buses for five Hyderabad routes.

50 double-decker buses also expected

Alongside the electric bus plan, Sindh is also preparing to add double-decker buses to its public transport system.

Memon said 50 double-decker buses were expected to arrive in Sindh by November 30 and would be operated on different routes.

The additional buses are expected to increase passenger capacity on busy routes and provide another option for commuters.

The provincial government has been expanding the People’s Bus Service as part of its broader effort to address transport shortages.

Transport officials have also been working on other major projects, including the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit system in Karachi. Recent reviews have focused on accelerating construction work on the project.

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Pink Taxi Scheme also part of EV plans

Sindh’s electric transport plans also include a proposed Pink Taxi Scheme for women.

The scheme was announced as part of the province’s broader electric vehicle initiatives and is expected to introduce taxis specifically for women.

The proposal follows the Pink Scooter programme, which was launched to support women’s mobility.

Memon previously said the government had received complaints about some scooters issued under the women-focused scheme being used by male family members.

“We have received complaints that some women’s brothers are using the scooters, and necessary instructions have been issued to address the matter,” he said.

The government has said further details of the Pink Taxi Scheme would be announced as work on the project progresses.