Karachi has taken another step toward improving its public transport system with the formal inauguration of the much-awaited double-decker bus service. The service was officially launched by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon along with Sindh Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah, marking a significant development aimed at providing modern, affordable, and efficient transportation facilities to the residents of Pakistan’s largest city.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, provincial ministers and transport officials highlighted that the introduction of double-decker buses fulfills a commitment made to the people of Karachi. Officials briefed Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on the technical features, operational plan, and passenger capacity of the new buses. The briefing included details about safety standards, route coverage, fare structure, and future expansion plans.
Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Sindh government had promised to introduce double-decker buses in Karachi and was now delivering on that promise. He emphasized that the government is focused on launching projects that benefit the maximum number of people, especially those who rely on public transport for their daily commute. According to him, modern transport solutions are essential for a mega city like Karachi, where traffic congestion and lack of affordable public transport have long been major challenges.
The senior minister revealed that the initial route of the double-decker bus service will cover a distance of approximately 22 kilometers. The service will initially operate between Malir and Shahrah-e-Faisal, one of Karachi’s busiest and most important arteries. He added that the fare for traveling on the double-decker buses has been set between Rs 80 and Rs 120, depending on the distance traveled. This pricing strategy, he said, is designed to keep the service affordable for the general public.
Sharjeel Memon further explained that the government is providing subsidies on bus fares to reduce the financial burden on passengers. He stressed that the provincial government is continuously working on a daily basis to improve public facilities and expand transportation options for citizens. The goal, he said, is to ensure that in the coming year, improved transport services are not only available in Karachi but extended across Sindh.
According to the minister, the double-decker bus service will be gradually expanded to other major roads and areas of Karachi. “Our effort is to ensure that double-decker buses are visible on most of the city’s main roads,” he said, adding that expanding the fleet will help reduce pressure on existing transport systems and offer commuters a more comfortable travel experience.
Providing an overview of existing public transport usage, Sharjeel Inam Memon shared that more than 125,000 people are traveling daily through the People’s Bus Service, while approximately 65,000 commuters use the Green Line Bus Service every day. These figures, he said, reflect the growing public trust in government-run transport initiatives and demonstrate the urgent need for further expansion of such services.
He also informed that work on the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has resumed after delays, and the government is committed to completing it as soon as possible. The Red Line BRT is expected to play a crucial role in improving connectivity between different parts of the city once completed.
Speaking about broader infrastructure development, the senior minister stated that improving Karachi’s road network is a collective effort involving various departments and stakeholders. He disclosed that a budget of Rs 9 billion has been allocated specifically for the development and rehabilitation of roads in industrial areas, which are vital for economic activity and employment in the city.
Sharjeel Memon also highlighted the completion of Shahrah-e-Bhutto, describing it as a state-of-the-art project and a valuable gift for the people of Karachi. He said such infrastructure projects are not only aimed at easing traffic flow but also at supporting long-term urban development.
Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah, while addressing the media, reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to transforming Karachi’s public transport system. He said the introduction of double-decker buses and new electric vehicle (EV) buses reflects a forward-looking approach that combines capacity enhancement with environmental considerations.
Officials expressed hope that the double-decker bus service would help reduce traffic congestion, lower commuting costs, and provide a safer and more comfortable travel option for Karachiites. They also indicated that feedback from passengers would be taken into account to further improve the service.
The launch of the double-decker bus service has been widely welcomed by citizens, who see it as a positive step toward addressing Karachi’s long-standing transport challenges. With affordable fares, strategic routes, and plans for expansion, the initiative is expected to play an important role in shaping the future of public transportation in the city.
