KARACHI – In a significant move toward transforming the province’s transport landscape, the Sindh Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have reached a principled agreement to revive the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and launch Electric Bus Services across all divisional headquarters in Sindh. The decision was made during a high-level meeting at CM House between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and an ADB delegation led by Country Director Emma Fan.
Revitalizing Karachi’s Mass Transit
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized that integrating a feeder service for various BRT lines is the need of the hour. He highlighted that with ADB’s technical and financial backing, Karachi’s mass transit system can undergo a radical shift. The revival of KCR is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and act as a catalyst for economic growth.
Financial Commitment and Future Roadmap
ADB Country Director Emma Fan expressed the bank’s readiness to finance the KCR project, advising the provincial government to submit necessary documentation for formal approval by the Bank’s Board. The meeting also reviewed ongoing projects, including the Karachi BRT Red Line, and discussed a massive $3 billion development program (2026–2029). This comprehensive initiative will focus on transport, urban development, health, education, water, rural development, and climate resilience.
Green Mobility: Electric Buses for Four Cities
Under the “Sustainable Mobility” initiative, the introduction of electric bus services in four major cities was discussed. The CM noted that green transport would reduce fuel dependency and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Sindh government will soon present the formal electric bus proposal to the ADB, covering project readiness and co-financing options.
Post-Flood Rehabilitation and Governance
The forum also touched upon rehabilitation efforts following the 2022 floods, stressing transparency, quality, and timely completion. Both parties agreed to enhance institutional capacity to ensure priority projects are included in the 2026–2028 program. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sindh, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, and Secretary to CM Asif Jamil, while the ADB delegation included officials Nissanka Siyalgoda, Khayam Abbasi, and Salman Mian.
Chief Minister Shah concluded by reaffirming Sindh’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the ADB to deliver tangible results for the public through robust governance and faster implementation.
