KARACHI: While Lahore is set to launch an electric tram system, Karachi still lacks a functioning bus-based transport network, noted Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor. Urging immediate action, he called on the Sindh government to urgently revive the Karachi Transport Corporation (KTC) and bring its fleet of over 200 buses back on the roads. He also stressed the need for a unified, integrated authority to address the city’s chronic transport woes.
Shakoor emphasized that solving Karachi’s public transport crisis requires a comprehensive strategy that incorporates infrastructure development, efficient governance, sustainable funding, and smart urban planning.
He pointed out that multiple KTC depots, complete with workshops and a large number of idle buses, already exist. These facilities and vehicles, he said, could be refurbished and made operational again at minimal cost—making the revival of KTC a practical and immediate solution.
Highlighting the importance of a well-connected mass transit system, Shakoor urged the government to expedite and expand ongoing BRT projects such as the Green and Red Lines to reach underserved areas. He also stressed the urgent need to modernize and relaunch the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) with electric trains to link key parts of the city efficiently.
In addition, he called for the introduction of underground subway lines in high-density zones like Saddar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and Nazimabad. He further suggested regulating private bus and minibus operations by enforcing route permits, fare controls, and safety standards.
Shakoor also demanded the reintroduction of government-run buses under a revamped KTC, equipped with GPS tracking and fixed schedules. He advocated for dedicated bus lanes to reduce congestion and improve transit times.
Lastly, he stressed the need for a single, empowered body—such as a Karachi Metropolitan Transport Authority—to oversee and coordinate all public transit systems in the megacity.
