Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced the launch of the Karachi Transport Master Plan 2025, a comprehensive strategy to address the city’s longstanding mobility challenges. Developed in partnership with the World Bank, the plan seeks to integrate Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors, metro light rail, and the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) into a unified and modern transport system.
The announcement was made during a meeting at CM House on Friday with a World Bank delegation led by Ibrahim Khalil Zaki, Practice Manager for Transport in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. Senior Sindh ministers and officials also attended.
A Step Toward Modern Urban Mobility
Highlighting Karachi’s urgent transport needs, CM Shah stressed that the city requires at least 15,000 buses to meet daily demand. He noted that BRT networks alone would not suffice, emphasizing the importance of complementing them with metro light rail services and a fully revived KCR.
The chief minister also underscored the Sindh government’s introduction of electric buses, positioning them as a critical step toward climate-friendly urban mobility.
World Bank’s Commitment
Ibrahim Khalil Zaki assured full technical and financial assistance from the World Bank for the master plan. He explained that the framework would not only cover BRT and metro systems but also include tourist and goods trains alongside the KCR. Zaki further highlighted the importance of establishing a transport manufacturing industry in Karachi to serve both provincial and national demand.
To facilitate this, Shah offered Dhabeji as a dedicated hub for transport-related industries, pledging government support for investors. Both sides also agreed to set up a joint working group of Sindh officials and World Bank representatives to finalize the terms of reference and engage transport experts in drafting the plan.
Yellow Line BRT Progress
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing Yellow Line BRT project, stretching 21 kilometers from Dawood Chowrangi to Khalid Bin Waleed Road. Featuring 21 at-grade stations, four underpasses, four elevated stations, eight flyovers, and three underground stations, the line is expected to serve 300,000 passengers daily once completed in December 2025.
Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon reported that construction is advancing, with Depot 1 at 10% completion and Depot 2 at 17%, both scheduled to finish by September 2026.
Toward a Sustainable Transport Future
The Karachi Transport Master Plan marks a turning point in the city’s infrastructure development. With strong backing from the World Bank and a clear vision from the Sindh government, the initiative promises to transform Karachi’s chaotic transport system into a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable network.
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