KARACHI: A World Bank (WB) delegation met Sindh Senior Minister on Thursday to review the progress of transport projects being implemented with World Bank support and discuss future collaboration on public transport, infrastructure development and investment initiatives.
The meeting, also attended by Transport Secretary Asad Zamin and other senior officials, deliberated on the progress of the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit project, urban mobility, sustainable transport and opportunities for expanding public-private partnerships in the province.
Briefing the delegation, Sharjeel Memon—— holding portfolios of Information, Transport and Mass Transit—said the Sindh government was making every effort to complete the Yellow Line BRT project in accordance with the approved standards and timeline.
The WB delegation appreciated the Sindh government’s transport sector reforms and supported the province’s electric (EV) bus service and the Pink EV Scooty Scheme for women.
The delegation observed that such projects would enhance commuting facilities for citizens and contribute to environmental protection and sustainable urban development.
It also emphasized the importance of strengthening transparency, project oversight, monitoring mechanisms and risk management, while recommending greater participation of private investors to improve the long-term sustainability of transport projects.
Memon emphasized close coordination among all stakeholders as essential for the timely completion and successful implementation of major infrastructure projects.
“We want all development partners to work together on a common platform so that the benefits of these projects reach the public without delay,” he said.
The Minister also briefed the delegation on the Sindh government’s proposed Exclusive Bus Routes Project, which is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
He said the project would create significant investment opportunities for the private sector and announced that the provincial government would soon organize a consultative workshop bringing together businessmen, investors and World Bank representatives to discuss various aspects of the initiative.
Memon invited the World Bank to consider providing both financial and technical support for the project.
Reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to its long-standing partnership with the World Bank, the Senior Minister said Sindh was keen to expand cooperation in future transport, infrastructure and urban development projects.
Highlighting Karachi’s growing transportation needs, he said the government planned to introduce 500 additional electric buses in the near future to further strengthen the city’s public transport network.
He said expanding the fleet of environmentally friendly EV buses would help reduce air pollution, promote green mobility and improve the quality of public transport services.
Memon noted that Sindh was the first province in Pakistan to introduce an electric bus service and the first to secure carbon credits. These achievements as evidence of the government’s commitment to environmentally sustainable development.
He also outlined two major transport proposals under consideration by the provincial government.
He said Sindh was keen to develop a high-speed rail link between Karachi and Sukkur, declaring the project as a potential game changer for passenger travel, trade and economic growth across the province.
He invited international financial institutions, including the World Bank, and private investors to participate in the project.
Sharjeel Memon further revealed plans for a modern freight railway corridor connecting Karachi Port’s Maripur area with the Northern Bypass, saying the project would improve cargo movement, reduce logistics costs, ease urban traffic congestion and enhance the efficiency of Pakistan’s trade and industrial supply chain.
He said both proposed railway projects would play an important role in strengthening regional connectivity and supporting long-term economic development in Sindh.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026