KARACHI, Oct 18: The Sindh government is stepping up efforts to expand its public transport network through additional electric buses and double-decker services, with discussions underway with leading Chinese manufacturers to improve urban mobility and introduce cleaner transport options.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon held separate meetings with representatives of Yutong Bus and Higer Bus in Shanghai to explore cooperation on modernising the province’s transport system.
During a meeting with Yutong Bus Chief Executive Officer Robin Shen, the minister discussed opportunities for introducing additional electric buses in Sindh. The company expressed its willingness to support the provincial government’s electric mobility initiatives.
Memon also met Higer Bus Vice President Liu Zheng and urged the company to accelerate the supply of double-decker buses planned for Karachi.
The discussions form part of Sindh’s broader efforts to improve public transport services, expand passenger capacity and reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered vehicles.
Sindh Moves Ahead With 500 Electric Bus Proposal
The provincial government has already been working on a proposal to procure 500 electric buses as part of its strategy to expand environmentally friendly public transportation.
Technical and administrative work on the proposed procurement is underway, with the scheme expected to proceed through the provincial cabinet approval process.
The proposed fleet expansion is intended to strengthen public transport connectivity and increase the availability of electric buses across Sindh.
The government has allocated Rs39.5 billion for transport and communications projects in the 2026–27 provincial budget.
The allocation covers a range of initiatives, including electric buses, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, taxi services and other public mobility programmes.
Karachi Double-Decker Bus Plan Awaits Deliveries
The introduction of double-decker buses remains another component of Sindh’s transport development plans.
During his meeting with Higer Bus officials, Memon called for faster progress on the supply of the vehicles to facilitate their introduction in Karachi.
The provincial government had earlier outlined plans to introduce 50 double-decker buses alongside a larger electric bus programme and additional public transport routes.
Although October had previously been identified as the target for introducing the double-decker service, the latest discussions indicate that delivery arrangements are still being finalised.
No revised delivery schedule has been announced.
Red and Yellow Line BRT Projects Also Underway
The discussions with Chinese manufacturers come as Sindh continues work on several major transport initiatives aimed at improving commuting facilities in Karachi.
These include the Red Line and Yellow Line BRT projects, plans for electric vehicle taxis, development of charging infrastructure and further expansion of the People’s Bus Service.
The provincial government’s approach increasingly combines mass transit development with electric mobility and additional public transport routes.
However, expanding the number of buses alone will not resolve Karachi’s longstanding transport challenges.
Effective route coverage, service reliability, adequate charging infrastructure and timely project completion will also be important in determining the impact of these initiatives on daily commuters.
Bus Deliveries and Implementation Remain Key
The latest meetings focused on potential cooperation and vehicle procurement rather than the immediate launch of new transport services.
While Yutong expressed support for Sindh’s electric bus plans, Higer was requested to expedite the delivery of double-decker buses.
The provincial government has not announced new delivery dates, revised fleet numbers or updated project costs following the discussions.
The next significant development will depend on progress in procurement, regulatory approvals and the delivery of vehicles for operational deployment.
For Karachi’s commuters, the proposed expansion could improve public transport availability, provided the planned services are implemented and supported by the necessary infrastructure.