KARACHI: Karachi is set to welcome double-decker buses on its roads starting Wednesday, marking a major development in the city’s public transport system. Sindh Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the launch while inaugurating the integration of the Orange Line and Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in Karachi.
The integration project is designed to allow passengers to travel seamlessly on both Orange Line and Green Line buses using a single smart card, addressing previous complaints about having to pay extra fares when switching between bus routes. Sharjeel said, “Today, we have inaugurated the project to integrate the Orange Line and Green Line BRT. Starting tomorrow, double-decker buses will operate on Karachi roads, followed by the introduction of new routes for Electric Vehicle (EV) buses. The Peoples Bus Service will also begin operations in Khairpur, Shikarpur, and Tando Allah Yar.”
The new double-decker buses are equipped with modern amenities, including security cameras, and dedicated buses for women will be available on both the Green Line and Orange Line routes. The transport minister emphasized that the government aims to increase daily passenger numbers on BRT buses from 75,000 to 100,000.
Sharjeel also highlighted the broader plan to introduce double-decker buses in other cities across Sindh. The initial route in Karachi will be along Malir-Shahrah-e-Faisal road. According to the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA), Managing Director Kanwal Nizam Bhutto, the buses will run from Model Colony to the Tower route once clearance is received from the Karachi Port Trust (KPT).
After a gap of six to seven decades, double-decker buses will return to Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub and home to two major seaports. The Sindh government has imported 39 buses from China, including five double-decker buses and 34 EV buses, at a cost of Rs3 billion. The vehicles are currently undergoing port clearance.
The introduction of double-decker buses aims to reduce traffic congestion by carrying more passengers per trip, improving the overall efficiency of Karachi’s public transport system. The integration of BRT lines and the addition of EV buses also reflect the provincial government’s commitment to providing modern, sustainable, and accessible transport solutions to the public.
The launch is expected to be a major milestone for Karachi commuters, offering a more comfortable, secure, and convenient travel experience in the city.
