A delegation from the World Bank met Senior Minister of Sindh and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon today to discuss various issues related to World Bank-supported transport projects, the improvement of public transport, investment opportunities, future infrastructure initiatives and urban development.
On the occasion, Memon briefed the delegation in detail on the progress of the ongoing Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Karachi. He said that the Sindh government was making every effort to complete the project in accordance with the prescribed standards and timeline.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary Transport Asad Zamin and other officials. The World Bank delegation appreciated the reforms and innovative initiatives introduced by the Sindh government in the public transport sector and described the EV bus service and the Pink EV Scooty Scheme for women as commendable. The delegation said that such initiatives would not only provide improved transport facilities to citizens but would also contribute significantly to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The delegation emphasized the need to further strengthen transparency, effective implementation, oversight, monitoring and risk mitigation mechanisms for the projects. It also suggested that greater participation by the private sector and investors would further enhance the sustainability and scope of these initiatives.
On the occasion, Memon said that strong coordination among all relevant institutions was essential for the successful implementation of major development projects. He added that all stakeholders must work together on a common platform to ensure that the benefits of development projects reached the people in a timely manner. He also briefed the World Bank delegation on the Sindh government’s Exclusive Bus Routes Project and said that the government planned to introduce dedicated bus routes under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, creating extensive investment opportunities for private investors.
He further informed the delegation that the Sindh government would soon organize a workshop involving business leaders, investors and World Bank representatives to hold detailed consultations on various aspects of the project. Sharjeel Inam Memon invited the World Bank to consider providing investment and technical assistance for the Exclusive Bus Routes Project.
Memon said that the Sindh government was keen to further strengthen its longstanding partnership with the World Bank and sought its continued support for future transport, infrastructure and urban development projects. He added that the demand for quality public transport in a large city like Karachi was increasing steadily and, to meet this growing need, the Sindh government would soon introduce 500 more eco-friendly electric (EV) buses.
He said that the introduction of eco-friendly EV buses would significantly reduce air pollution and promote green transportation. He also emphasized that Sindh was the first province in Pakistan to launch an EV bus service and the first to earn carbon credits, describing these achievements as clear evidence of the provincial government’s commitment to environmental protection.
Memon further said that the Sindh government was keen to introduce a high-speed rail service between Karachi and Sukkur, describing it as a major milestone that would improve travel facilities, boost commercial activity and accelerate economic development across the province. He added that the provincial government wanted international financial institutions, including the World Bank, as well as private investors, to invest in the mega project.
He further said that the Sindh government also planned to introduce a modern freight rail service from Maripur to the Northern Bypass, which would make cargo transportation from Karachi Port more efficient, faster and more cost-effective. According to Memon, such projects would not only ease traffic congestion in the city but would also provide a significant boost to the country’s trade, industrial activity and overall economic growth.