The government of Sindh made the decision to install 180 solar-powered electric buses on the feeder routes of Karachi’s Bus Rapid Transit Service.
Additionally, solutions for cleaner and more effective public transportation to offer to Karachi residents.
In addition to dismantling the operational subsidy scheme for public transportation.
Govt. of Sindh Plans To Add 180 Electric Buses in BRT Fleet
In a meeting with a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headed by F. Cleo Kawawaki, principal director and head of the office of market development and PPPs, Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar revealed this information.
Speaking about the possibility of introducing electric buses for the city’s BRT feeder routes, the chief minister stated that the Sindh government was investigating the revolutionary potential of electric buses in an effort to provide Karachi with cleaner and more effective public transportation options.
The project intends to install electric buses on feeder routes for BRT.
Sustainability
It is consistent with the province government’s emphasis on carbon credits, resilience, and climate change.
However, the project’s operational business plan will start at the end of December 2023.
The ADB head informed by Sindh Shakil Mangejo, Chairman of the Planning and Development Board, that the Green and Orange Lines of the BRTS had installed in Karachi to accommodate an estimated 50,000 passengers per day.
The integration of current and upcoming lines through the introduction of feeder route buses will support the system’s long-term sustainability.
According to the transport secretary, 170–180 electric buses will add to the Green and Orange Line BRT routes as part of the project.
However, Head of the ADB delegation F. Cleo Kawawaki stated that the organization will support the project and will collaborate with the provincial government.
Karachi’s Water Project
Speaking of the West Karachi Recycled Water Project, the Chief Minister claimed that Karachi is among the cities most severely water-stressed.
Given that the city is home to over 20 million people and needs 1,100 mgd of water supply but only receives 550 mgd, there is an urgent need to increase funding for the infrastructure supporting water supply and treatment.
The ADB designated as the transaction adviser for an unsolicited proposal for a treatment plant at Haroonabad, close to the Sindh Industrial Trade Estate (SITE), by the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation.
Furthermore, according to a market survey, the industries at SITE currently require 40–50 mgd of water.
The KWSC is only able to supply about 2-3 mgd due to the water shortage.
Bidding
According to Asad Zaim of the MD Public Private Partnership Unit, four bidders were vying for the project during the request for proposal (RFP) stage, and the prequalification process was finished.
The project expected to cost approximately $180 million.
He continued by saying that the provincial government and the ADB expert team were working on the project documentation.
To read our blog on “Govt. of Sindh has announced two different holidays in Nov,” click here.
