By In a major step toward sustainable urban development, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Sunday inaugurated a Rs. 900 million project to convert street lights on Sharea Faisal to solar power. The initiative marks a significant shift toward cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy solutions for Pakistan’s largest city.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the mayor said the project would help the city substantially reduce its electricity expenses. According to estimates shared by the city administration, the shift to solar-powered street lighting is expected to save around Rs. 25 million annually, easing the financial burden on the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
Five-Year Warranty and Maintenance Included
Under the project framework, the private company responsible for installing the solar panels will also manage their operation and maintenance, along with providing a five-year warranty. This arrangement aims to ensure long-term functionality, reduce maintenance challenges, and improve service reliability.
Mayor Wahab said the project reflects Karachi’s move toward modern and sustainable infrastructure, adding that 2026 will be a year focused on development for the city.
Expansion to Major Roads Across Karachi
The mayor announced that the city administration plans to illuminate three major roads using solar energy in the current phase. Officials confirmed that street lights on Sharea Faisal and Shahrah-i-Iran have already been converted to solar systems.
In the next phase, additional major arteries will be shifted to solar lighting, including:
- Sir Shah Suleman Road
- Mai Kolachi Road
- Other key thoroughfares across the city
This expansion is expected to significantly improve nighttime visibility and road safety.
Ending Load-Shedding Related Lighting Issues
Mayor Wahab highlighted that Karachi’s roads have long suffered from poor lighting due to frequent load-shedding, despite repeated complaints from citizens. He said the transition to solar power directly addresses these issues by ensuring uninterrupted lighting, independent of the conventional power grid.
Broader Development Projects Underway
During the ceremony, the mayor also provided updates on other ongoing development projects. He said work is progressing in areas such as Keamari and the Old City, while major infrastructure projects including Shahrah-i-Bhutto and the Murghi Khana Bridge are nearing completion.
He further announced that the Shahrah-i-Bhutto section from Qayyumabad to Kathore will soon be opened to traffic, offering improved connectivity for both Karachi residents and intercity commuters.
A Step Toward a Greener Karachi
The solar street lights project is being seen as a milestone in Karachi’s journey toward energy efficiency, reduced costs, and environmental sustainability. City officials believe the initiative will serve as a model for future green infrastructure projects across the metropolis.
