KARACHI — Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday announced a major overhaul of Karachi’s transport system through a new Master Plan developed with World Bank support. The plan aims to resolve the city’s worsening mobility crisis by introducing modern, sustainable transit solutions across the metropolis.
The comprehensive Karachi Transport Master Plan will integrate Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, metro light rail, and the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR). The announcement came during a high-level meeting at CM House with a World Bank delegation led by Ibrahim Khalil Zaki, regional transport practice manager. CM Murad emphasized that Karachi needs at least 15,000 buses to meet daily demand and highlighted the importance of introducing electric buses to reduce emissions.
World Bank officials pledged technical and financial support, with Zaki confirming plans to include not just urban transport but tourist and goods trains as well. The CM offered Dhabeji as a hub for developing the transport industry to support both city and national needs. A joint working group will soon be formed to finalize the Terms of Reference for experts working on the plan.
Discussing the Yellow Line BRT, CM Murad said the project is a central component of Karachi’s transport future. Stretching 21 km from Dawood Chowrangi to Khalid Bin Waleed Road, the corridor will include 21 stations, underpasses, flyovers, and underground sections. It aims to transport 300,000 passengers daily upon completion in December 2025.
Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon noted that construction progress is visible across multiple sites. Depot 1 is 10% complete, Depot 2 is at 17%, and work on Jam Sadiq Bridge is advancing. Final designs for off-corridor infrastructure are under review. CM Murad called the plan “big news for Karachi,” saying it signals long-term relief for the city’s commuters.