20/05/2026
The Sindh government has overhauled its plans for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project, opting for electric vehicles (EVs) in place of the originally proposed hybrid buses. In a related change, the biogas plant that was part of the project will now channel its output to the industrial sector rather than fueling public transport.
Addressing the Sindh Assembly during Question Hour, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that electric buses would be introduced under the Red Line project through a public-private partnership model. He outlined that the government would furnish land, charging infrastructure, and depot facilities to accommodate 500 EV buses operating across BRT routes in Karachi.
Memon clarified that while the biogas plant remains part of the project scope, the gas it produces will be redirected to industries following the pivot away from hybrid buses. He added that feasibility studies are still underway, with tenders anticipated to be floated next month — the final project cost will be determined once bids are submitted and reviewed.
The senior minister acknowledged that the Red Line project, which is backed by the Asian Development Bank, has encountered setbacks due to currency volatility and escalating construction costs. He also confirmed that the Frontier Works Organisation stepped in to replace a contractor who refused to carry on with the work.
Memon noted that progress on Karachi's transport network continues despite hurdles, including delays in utility transfers by K-Electric and other agencies. He confirmed that the Orange Line has been completed, while the World Bank-supported Yellow Line is advancing at a brisk pace.
On ridership figures, Memon highlighted notable growth: daily passengers on the Orange Line climbed from 2,000 to 9,500 following the provincial government's takeover of operations, while the Green Line saw its daily ridership nearly double — rising from 50,000 to 95,000 commuters.
The minister also revealed that the People's Bus Service is set to launch a new route in Hyderabad, connecting Latifabad to Haider Chowk, either just before or shortly after Eid al-Adha.