Sindh Approves 500 New Electric Buses for Two Major Cities

The Sindh government has approved the purchase of 500 electric buses for Karachi and Hyderabad, aiming to promote clean and efficient public transportation in the province.

The decision was made during the 48th meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Board, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the CM House on Friday.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, the Chief Secretary, the Planning and Development Chairman, the Director General of the PPP Unit, the Transport Secretary, and other key officials.

During the session, the board gave the green light to the People’s Green Transport Project, which aims to introduce a large fleet of electric buses through a public-private partnership. The project’s structure, scope, and risk-sharing model were approved, along with an amended proposal from a private firm that will be given the right of first refusal and exemption from the prequalification process.

The board also allowed the solicitation of investors to bring in a private partner for implementation.

Under the project, 500 electric buses will be rolled out in phases, supported by depots, charging stations, bus shelters, and an automated fare collection and intelligent transport system. The initiative will operate under a 12-year concession period and is expected to serve more than 200,000 passengers daily.

Integrated with the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network, the project aims to improve urban mobility while reducing air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. The board described the initiative as a major milestone toward clean, modern, and sustainable public transport in Sindh.