The Sindh government is contemplating the introduction of 180 electric buses on the feeder routes of the Bus Rapid Transit Service in Karachi, with the innovative feature of solar-powered energy.
The provincial government has taken the initiative to offer the public an efficient mode of transportation while putting an end to the practice of an operational subsidy for public transport services.
This information was disclosed during a meeting between Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar and an Asian Development Bank (ADB) delegation led by F Cleo Kawawaki, principal director and head of the office of market development and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Discussing the prospect of introducing electric buses for BRT feeder routes in the city, the CM mentioned that the Sindh government is exploring the transformative impact of electric buses to strive for cleaner and more efficient public transportation solutions in Karachi. The project aims to introduce electric buses on BRT feeder routes.
It aligns with the provincial government’s focus on climate change, resilience, and carbon credits. The operational business plan of the project is set to commence at the end of December 2023.
Chairman Planning and Development Board Sindh Shakil Mangejo informed the ADB head that the Green and Orange Lines of BRTS had been implemented in Karachi to facilitate an estimated passenger traffic of 50,000 per day.
With the induction of feeder route buses, existing and future lines will be integrated, contributing towards the long-term sustainability of the overall system. The transport secretary stated that under the project, 170 to 180 electric buses would be inducted for the existing BRT routes of Green and Orange Line.
Kawawaki assured that the ADB is working closely with the provincial government and will support the project.
The CM, addressing the West Karachi Recycled Water Project, emphasized that Karachi is one of the most water-stressed cities with a population of over 20 million, requiring 1,100mgd of water supply but only receiving 550mgd. Therefore, additional investment in water supply and treatment infrastructure is imperative.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) have enlisted the ADB as the transaction adviser regarding an unsolicited proposal for a treatment plant at Haroonabad near Sindh Industrial Trade Estate (SITE). A market survey indicates that the present water demand of industries at SITE is 40-50mgd. Due to water shortage, the KWSC can only supply around 2-3mgd.
MD Public Private Partnership Unit Asad Zaim mentioned that the project is estimated to cost around $180 million. The prequalification process has been completed, and four bidders are competing in the RFP (request for proposal) stage. He added that the ADB expert team is actively working on the project documentation with the provincial government.
