KARACHI: Double-decker buses have officially returned to Karachi’s roads after almost five decades, with a trial service launched on Wednesday along the route from Malir to Sharea Faisal and extending to Zainab Market.
The service was inaugurated by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon along with Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah. During the launch ceremony, officials briefed the ministers on the operational features and facilities of the newly introduced buses.
Addressing the media, Sharjeel Memon said the provincial government had delivered on its commitment to improve public transport in Karachi. He stated that the revival of double-decker buses was part of a broader plan to enhance urban mobility, adding that even better transport facilities would be introduced by 2026. On the directives of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, he said, the service would be expanded to major roads across the city in the coming year.
Memon highlighted the heavy demand for public transport, noting that nearly 100,000 commuters use the People’s Bus Service daily. He added that bus services would be introduced in every district of Sindh, while Rs900 million had been allocated for road development in Karachi’s Industrial Area. He also termed the Shahrah-e-Bhutto project a key provincial initiative.
The minister further said that the Orange and Green BRT lines would significantly improve commuting convenience. Recently, the Edhi Orange Line was integrated with the Green Line, extending its route and allowing smoother travel from Orangi Town to Nagan Chowrangi.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed the initiative, calling modern transport essential for Karachi’s progress. Officials said that if the trial succeeds, more double-decker buses will be added on additional routes, helping ease traffic congestion while reviving a historic symbol of the city.
