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A man waits to cross a portion of track once shared with the disused Karachi Circular Railway line in Karachi, Pakistan, May 24, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI:
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and a high-level delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have agreed to revive the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and launch electric bus services in the provincial metropolis and other divisional headquarters across Sindh.
The ADB delegation was led by Country Director Emma Fenn. Both sides also committed to accelerating work on priority transport projects and expanding development cooperation across the province.
Speaking during the meeting, CM Shah said the KCR is a priority for the provincial government and urgently needed to serve as a feeder for the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines. He sought technical and financial support from ADB, stressing that the project is not merely a transport initiative but a lifeline for Karachi.
“With modern infrastructure and integrated urban planning, and ADB’s assistance, we can transform the city’s mass transit system and provide millions with affordable and safe travel,” he said. He added that the KCR’s revival would ease traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and promote inclusive economic growth in Pakistan’s largest city.
The ADB country director expressed support in principle for the project and advised the Sindh government to submit the necessary documentation for board approval.
The meeting also reviewed ADB’s ongoing project portfolio in Sindh and discussed a proposed $3 billion development pipeline for 2026-29, covering transport, urban development, health, education, water, rural development, and environmental sustainability.
The expansion of electric bus services in Karachi and their introduction in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana were also discussed. CM Shah said the provincial government is committed to clean and environmentally friendly transport to improve air quality and urban mobility.
He added that electric buses would modernise public transport, reduce fuel dependency, and support climate resilience. Financing options including project resilience funding and co-financing arrangements were explored, and the government will submit a formal proposal to ADB.
