PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

FRIDAY, THE 17^TH JANUARY, 2025

302      *Ms. Quratul Ain Khan:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

Date of construction amount spent, capacity and location of Bus terminal constructed in Sindh during last five years?

ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

402      *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

1. Whether it is a fact the Provincial Government is planning to improve the public transportation infrastructure in Karachi to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution;
2. If answer to (a) above is affirmative, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

The answer is affirmative; the Government of Sindh has implemented significant initiatives to enhance public transportation infrastructure in Karachi to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution. The details thereof are as under:

People’s Bus Service: Launched in June 2022, this service operates 250 state-of-the-art diesel-electric (hybrid) buses in Karachi (including 28 women exclusive Pink Buses) serving approximately 100,000 passengers daily. The People’s Bus Service aims to alleviate traffic congestion by providing efficient and reliable public transport options through 10 routes in Karachi.

People’s Pink Bus Service: Introduced as Asia’s first women-exclusive bus service, it currently operates on five routes in Karachi with a fleet of 28 Buses. This initiative enhances safety and encourages women to use public transport confidently, thereby reducing reliance on private vehicles.

People’s Electric Bus Service: The Government has introduced Pakistan’s first zero-emission Fifty (50) electric buses operating on 04 routes in Karachi since Jan 2023. These buses significantly contribute to reducing air pollution levels in the city and promote sustainable transport solutions by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.

BRT Orange Line BRT & Green Line: Are operational, benefiting around 70,000 passengers daily. Further the integration of Green and Orange Line has increased riding on both Green & Orange Line.

Yellow Line BRT (World Bank Funded Project): Under execution phase, the 21km bus route, whose construction is being assisted by the World Bank, starts from Dawood Chowrangi in Korangi. It is 3^rd generation BRT System, and will serve people in Korangi and Landhi Industrial areas, the central business district project and numerous residential areas. Key components include fleet of 268 EV-Buses which will serve daily ridership of around 300,000 people.

Red Line BRT (Asian Development Bank Funded Project): Progressing in construction phase with a 26.6 km corridor, the main corridor (24.2km) extends from Malir Halt to Numaish and the common corridor (2.4km) from Municipal Park to Tower. Considering the sustainability and eco-friendly protocols, 250 Bio CNG fueled buses will be introduced under this initiative and will serve daily ridership of 400,000 people. A Bio Gas Plant will be established at Bhens Colony for production of Bio Gas from the Cow Dung, as fuel of Red Line Buses.

522       *Dr. Fouzia Hameed:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the initiatives are being taken by the department to promote sustainable transportation option like cycling lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure;

(b) If answer to (a) above is in the    affirmative, the details therefor?

ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

The Transport and Mass Transit Department (T&MTD) has taken measures to promote sustainable transportation in Sindh. The pedestrian paths and cycling lanes are included in the scope of work of BRT Yellow Line and BRT Red line along the corridors.

Both the BRT Red and Yellow Line are designed with the concept of facade to facade development. The BRT Red line includes 250 CNG buses and Yellow Line includes 142 EV buses and 126 Diesel Hybrid Buses.

The BRT Red line also includes the BioGas Plant for production of fuel of Buses while Yellow Line includes the provisions of Solar system at Bus depots and all bus stations. Furthermore, BRT Red line has dedicated cycle track throughout the Corridor i.e. 22 Kms with pedestrian friendly walkways.

Moreover, the BRT Yellow line Infrastructure is designed for maximum facilitation to pedestrians including wide walkways upto the shops/property limit with minimum width of 2 meters and all the junctions are designed as pedestrian friendly junctions.

524      *Dr. Fouzia Hameed:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

What plans does the Ministry have for the future of transportation in Sindh, including the adoption of emerging technologies and innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the population?

ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

The Transport and Mass Transit Department (T&MTD) is actively working to provide efficient and eco-friendly transport services to the public. The T&MTD is working diligently to adopt and implement the emerging technologies to provide quality service to the public. Major initiatives include:

• Automated Fare collection (AFC)in PBS: Automated fare collection system for the Peoples Bus service in Karachi represents a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability of public transportation in the city. AFC signifies not merely a technological upgrade but a profound paradigm shift towards efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the public transportation services. This system will revolutionize the commuter experience in Karachi, elevating convenience and reliability to unprecedented level.

Initially, two routes have been selected: Model Colony Malir to Tower and Gulshan-e-Hadeed to Tower, for AFC to examine its efficiency. The remaining routes will be completed gradually.

• Automation of PTA & RTA: The project which has recently started, aims to automate the business processes of RTA and PTA through the deployment of cutting-edge information technology tools. By leveraging automation, the authorities can enhance operational efficiency, improve revenue collection, ensure transparency, and provide better services to the public. The project also involves Business Process Reengineering (BRP) to enhance efficiency as well as develop a complete digitized ecosystem for Transport Department.

• Motor Vehicle inspection (MVI) and certification system is being introduced in the Province under which the fitness of vehicles will no more be manual to ensure accuracy, fitness and environmental impact of vehicular traffic. This project will help the department to audit and catch outdated and dilapidated vehicles causing environmental hazards.

• Electric Buses Under BRT Yellow Line:  268 EV Buses to be deployed for the corridor.

• Biogas Fueled Buses Under BRT Red Line: First ever Bio gas plant is being developed in bhens colony in collaboration with ADB to fuel the Buses.

590       *Mr. Abdul Waseem:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

(a)     Whether it is a fact that there isinadequate transport system in Karachi;

(b)     If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, steps being taken like-wise further green bus & orange line routs are being made?

ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

Yes, it is a fact that there is inadequate transport system in Karachi due to the huge population. However, the Government is taking all out efforts to improve the transport system in Karachi. Some major initiatives are as under:

People’s Bus Service commenced its operations in June 2022, serving the bustling regions of Karachi. The initiative deploys a fleet of 222 state of the -art- diesel-electric (hybrid) buses on 10 routes in Karachi, serving approximately 100,000 passengers daily. It marks a significant leap toward modernizing the public transit infrastructure.

People’s Pink Bus Service:    A sia’s first ever women exclusive Bus Service which has been lauded by both local and international forums. The fleet consists of 28 Women exclusive buses on 5 different routes in Karachi.

People’s Electric Bus Service: Pakistan’s first ever zero emission 50 electric public buses operating on 04 feeder routes in Karachi since January 2023.

Yellow Line BRT (World Bank Funded Project): Under execution phase, the 21km bus route, whose construction is being assisted by the World Bank, starts from Dawood Chowrangi in Korangi. It is 3^rd generation BRT System, and will serve people in Korangi and Landhi Industrial areas, the central business district project and numerous residential areas. Key components include fleet of 268 EV-Buses which will serve daily ridership of around 300,000 people.

Red Line BRT (Asian Development Bank Funded Project): Progressing in construction phase with a 26.6 km corridor, the main corridor (24.2km) extends from Malir Halt to Numaish and the common corridor (2.4km) from Municipal Park to Tower. Considering the sustainability and eco-friendly protocols, 250 Bio CNG fueled buses will be introduced under this initiative and will serve daily ridership of 400,000 people. A Bio Gas Plant will be established at Bhens Colony for production of Bio Gas from the Cow Dung, as fuel of Red Line Buses.

Green Line BRT (21.5 Km) and Orange Line BRT (3.9 Km) are operational, benefiting thousands of people on daily basis. Further, feeder routes are being planned along both BRTs to integrate the system and facilitate maximum passengers.

740      *Mr. Muhammad Farooq:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

Amount collected by route permit in last three years alongwith details of its utilization?

ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

The Transport and Mass Transit Department, Government of Sindh has collected Rs.44,22,49,249/- on account of Route Permits Fee during the last three years i.e. 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 and same has been deposited in the Sindh Government Account Non-Food No.1, Head of Accout-B-02812 through Bank Challans in the National Bank of Pakistan.

779      *Ms. HeerSoho:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

Number of Pink buses running in Karachi alongwith their routes?

                                                                                                                             ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

People’s Pink Bus Service: Introduced as Asia’s first women-exclusive bus service, currently operates on five routes in Karachi with a fleet of 28 Buses operational on 5 routes in Karachi. This initiative enhances safety and encourages women to use public transport confidently, thereby reducing reliance on private vehicles. The details thereof are as under:

843      *Mr. Muhammad Rashid:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

Why could not start shuttle service in between Hyderabad city and Latifabad,furnish reasons thereof?

                                                                                                                             ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

The Transport and Mass Transit Department (T&MTD) Government of Sindh is not plying any shuttle service within the province of Sindh. However, due to shifting of illegal Addas / Stands / Points from the city Limits of Karachi, the Administration of Karachi Bus Terminal, on the  direction of T&MTD, made arrangements to start shuttle service from Saddar, Taj Complex, Cantt. Station and Al-Karam Square free of cost to facilitate the public from city area to their destinations from the KBT. It is pertinent to mention that no  outlay of funds was done by T&MTD on operations of this Shuttle Service.

920      *Mr. Najam Mirza:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it fact that scheme Construction of BRT Red Line Karachi ADB Assisted with cost of Rs.  12006.000  million is to be completed by June 2026;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is affirmative, detail of work completed and amount spent todate?

ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

The construction of BRT Red Line Karachi (ADB Assisted) is planned to be completed by June 2026.

The cost (Rs. 12,006.00 million) represents the Government of Sindh's (GoS) share for the BRT Redline Project. The total estimated cost for the project, as outlined in the approved PC-I, is Rs. 79,942.32 million, which includes both the GoS and Donor’s shares.

Construction Work Completed till Date:

The BRT Redline project has multiple components such as construction of civil work executed in two lots. The lot-1 and Lot -II are currently under construction with full swing. The Lot-I progress is 22.49% and Lot-II progress is 20.25.%.

The Amount Spent till Date:

931      *Mr. Najam Mirza:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

What is the Current stratus ofBRT Red Line, preparation of Detail Design and Procurement from Model Colony to Numaish via University Road?

ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

The BRT Red Line Project being implemented aims to increase the use of quality public transport in Karachi. The main corridor of BRT Red Line project is 22.5 KM and divided into two Lots which begins from Malir Halt and Terminates at Numaish Chowrangi, directly benefiting 1.5 million people.

• Lot I: Malir Halt to Mosamiyat distance comprises of 9.65 KM

• Lot II: Mosamiyat to Numaish distance comprises of 12.85 KM

The Current Project Status, Detail Design & Procurement:

The design of the project is nearly finalized and includes 18 key structures for mixed traffic and BRT, which are as follows:

• 3 flyovers: (Civic Center, Safoora, and Mosamiyat).
• 7 underpasses: (Safoora, New M.A. Jinnah, Numaish, NIPA, BRT Hydrant, Mosamiyat and Tipu Sultan).
• 8 elevated U-turns: (Dawood Elevated Right Turn, Askari Park, UK Apartment U-turns 1 & 2, Bait ul Mukarram U-turns 1 & 2, and KU Elevated U-turns 1 & 2).

The project will also include two depots for bus maintenance and fueling: Malir Halt Depot and Bagh-e-Karachi (formerly Alladin Park).

The procurement process was conducted as per ADB Procurement Guidelines, and the contracts were awarded to the following two contractors.

The codal formalities were completed following the signing of the contract, and accordingly, the contractors commenced work on-site for Lot-I on 10 May 2022 and Lot-II on 15 August 2022. and the construction work is currently going on at both Lots.

970      *Mr. Ali Khurshidi:  

Will the Minister for Transport and Mass Transit be pleased to state:-

1. Is it a fact that the scheme Upgradation of 4 Junction as per International Standards in Karachi with cost of Rs. 195.790 million is to be completed by June 2026;
2. If answer to (a) above is affirmative, detail of work completed and amount spent todate?

ANSWER

MR. SHARJEEL INAM MEMON: MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT:-

Yes, the scheme for the upgradation of four junctions in Karachi to meet international standards, initially approved at a cost of Rs. 195.790 million, has been revised to Rs. 310.29 million based on the updated CSR 2024.

As mentioned above, the PC-I was revised in line with the updated CSR 2024. Following the completion of codal formalities, the notice inviting tenders has been issued in December 2024. The scheme is expected to be completed within 24 months.