PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

TRANSPORT AND MASS TRANSIT DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

FRIDAY, THE 01^ST AUGUST, 2025

419      *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:  

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

Steps taken to shift illegal bus/coach stands from within the city to the outside in compliance of repeated court orders?

ANSWER

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

Transport and Mass Transit Department, Government of Sindh, in compliance of the repeated orders of the Apex Courts, has successfully shifted intercity & inter-provincial Buss stands from within the city to the outside city areas w.e.f.24^th August2024. Now all the commercial Buses start & terminate beyond Sohrab Goth at Karachi Bus Terminal(KBT). Main steps taken to implement the decision in letter and spirit are as under:

·      Start of free Shuttle Service:

In order to facilitate the passengers to reach the Buses at KBT service, the Government of Sindh with the support of KBT, started 50 shuttles from and to the KBT free of cost for the passengers.

·      Cancellation of Stand Permits within the city areas: 

The Provincial Transport Authority, in the first instance cancelled intercity / inter provincial stands and pick & drop permissions (Buses, Mini Buses Vans) &“D” class stands within the city limit of Karachi.

·      Removal of Bus stands from within city:

            From the evening of 23rd August 2024, joint action started in joint teams of PTA, District Administration and Traffic Police which removed all stands / operational activities of intercity / inter-provincial vehicles from Sagheer Hussain Shaheed Road, (Saddar), M.A. Jinnah Road (Taj Complex/ Lines Areas), Cantt. Station and Al-Karam Square.

·      Establishment of Police Pickets:

            The Traffic Police established “Picket Points” at Shahrah-e-Pakistan and Rashid Minhas Road restricting entry of intercity / inter-provincial vehicles in the city limits. Joint teams were also deployed at Sagheer Hussain Shaheed Road, (Saddar), M.A. Jinnah Road (Taj Complex/ Lines Areas), Cantt. Station and Al-Karam Square for the purpose.

·           Action taken against the violations:

            Strict action was taken against the vehicles operating illegally from Patel Para, Qalandaria Chowk, North Nazimabad which were also removed with heavy fines. Secretaries of PTA / RTA are regularly visiting these places.Action taken against violators is as under:

RELIEF TO THE PUBLIC:

The shifting of all Bus stands outside city premises has proved to be a major relief for the local dwellers and business community, as well as resulted in improving the environment of the area.

420      *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:  

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

Location-wise new route permits issued during 2018 to 2023 along with amount recovered under the head?

ANSWER

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

a.      Location wise details of new route permits issued / renewed by the Provincial / Regional/ District Regional Transport Authorities during the year 2018 – 2023 is at Annexure placed on the Table of the House

b.      Number of new Route Permits issued and renewed from 2018 – 2023 is 83,941.

c.       Revenue recovered from Route Permits and their renewal from 2018-2023 is Rs 70, 18, 81,319.

519       *Dr. Fouzia Hameed:  

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

Steps being taken to improve public transportation in urban and rural areas of the province?

ANSWER

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

The Provincial Government has taken significant steps to improve public transportation in the urban and rural areas. Some of the project initiatives are mentioned below:

People’s Bus Service: The People's Bus Service Project, inaugurated in June 2022, began with eight routes and a fleet of 250 buses. Its success has led to significant expansions, including additional routes and the incorporation of advanced Super Capacitor Buses. This initiative, acclaimed across Sindh Province, now serves a growing number of passengers daily, with a fleet of 290 buses providing service to about 110,000 passengers at subsidized fares in the Province.  The persons with disabilities travel free of charge. 

The project is serving various routes in the province. In Karachi it serves on 10 routes with 222 buses along with Pink Buses operating on 05 routes with 28 buses. In Hyderabad 02 routes with 12 buses, in Larkana 01 route with 06 buses; in Sukkur 01 route with 10 buses, Mirpurkhas 01 route with 06 buses and in Shaheed Benazirabad 01 route with 06 buses. The introduction of "Pink Buses" in Karachi is a notable initiative aimed at improving female mobility and addressing some of the challenges women face when using public transportation in the city. 

People’s Electric Bus Service Pakistan’s first ever zero emission 50 electric public buses operating on 04 routes in Karachi since January 2023. The Government of Sindh is in the process of initiating more routes and adding more buses to the fleet under the People’s Bus Service initiative to facilitate the Public at large. This expansion is driven by the positive public response and the widespread demand for a sustainable transport system.

BRT Orange Line & Green Line are operational and benefitting about 70,000 passengers daily.

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.

Further, following transport infrastructure is planned for under CFY ADP: 

1)   Establishment of Modern Bus Terminals in Thatta, Badin, Mirokhan, Jacobabad, &Larkano under CFY ADP. Whereas, Bus Terminals in Kandhkot, Thul, Karachi, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Kandiaro will be established under NFY ADP.

2)   Installation of Traffic Signals in Karachi and Hyderabad under CFY ADP.

3)   Construction of Bus Laybays in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana are planned under CFY ADP.

4)   Installation of Traffic Signs in Karachi for awareness under CFY ADP.

5)   Construction Of Parking Plaza in Hyderabad under CFY ADP.

6)   Improvement of U-Turns in Karachi and Hyderabad under CFY ADP.

Modification and Beautification of Junctions in Karachi and Hyderabad under CFY ADP.

521      *Dr. Fouzia Hameed:  

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

(a) Is it a fact that the department is addressing the issues of road safety and implementing measures to reduce accidents and fatalities on the roads of the province;

        (b) If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, the details thereof?

ANSWER

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

Yes, the department is addressing issues of road safety and implementing measures to reduce accidents and fatalities on the roads of the province. Some of the initiatives are as under:

·           The Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) has launched the project namely: “Road Safety Mitigation Measures in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and    Larkana” under CFY the ADP Scheme with a budget of PKR 328 million.

·           Additionally, SMTA has hired a qualified Road Safety Auditor to conduct Stage-1, Stage-2 and Stage-3 Road Safety Audits (RSA) for the Yellow Line BRT Corridor roads. The objective is to minimize road accidents, particularly fatalities and serious injuries, by identifying design-related safety weaknesses. The auditor, working independently from the design team, reviews all pertinent deliverables.

·           Monitoring the Fitness of Vehicles.

Motor Vehicle Inspection Wings have been established in various cities of the Province of Sindh. There are 24 MVI & MMVIs in Sindh. The task of MVI Wing is to ensure the inspection of vehicles so that they should comply with the regulations of Government of Sindh. The objective Government is to ensure the safety of public and maintain the environment   affected by the emissions of vehicles. Inspectors posted at MVI Wings, ensure that users maintain their vehicles properly by doing periodic checks and maintenance. Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 and Motor Vehicle Laws 1969 have been implemented in the Province of Sindh and powers have been delegated to MVI to ensure compliance. Training and capacity-building programs have been initiated in collaboration with the National Highways & Motorway Police (NH&MP) and the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC). These programs aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of public transport operators, emphasizing road safety to ensure safe and efficient transportation services. The department has initiated ADP schemes on installation of Traffic signals. Further, the transport authorities are tasked to conduct en-route checking of vehicles for strict implementation of Motor vehicle laws.

698       *Mr. ArsalanParwaiz:  

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

(a)           Is it a fact that fares are increased immediately after price hike in petrol while on reduction in petrol price the fares not decreased;

(b)          If answer to (a) above is affirmative, steps taken by Sindh Govt. in this regard?

ANSWER

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

The field officers of T&MTD i.e. Secretary PTA and RTA, DRTAs with the assistance of District Administration and Traffic Police regularly check the Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) within their jurisdiction on account of the violations of MVO-1965 & MVR-1969 including charging excess fares on regular basis. The fare control drive was intensified on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitter-2024 and Eid-ul-Adha-2024. In this regard, following actions have been taken: -

The action against violators will be continued.

916      *Mr. Najam Mirza:  

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

(a)      Is it a fact that scheme procurement of Buses for different cities with cost of Rs.1152.614 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 PC-I for the scheme was approved by PDWP on 29-03-2023 at PKR 1,152.614 million, and the subject scheme is reflected in the budget book 2024-25.

The major components of the ADP scheme are given below: -

·       As per the approved PC-I, the location/objective of the scheme is in Karachi.

·       Procurement of 20 Diesel Hybrid Air-conditioned Buses of 09-meter length.

·       Buses will operate from SITE Area to Shireen Jinnah Colony via Rasheedabad, Nazimabad, Garden, Saddar, Karachi Cantt, DHA, Gizri, and Clifton.

The procurement process for hiring of consultant is currently underway. Upon the consultant's hiring, the procurement of buses will commence. The scheme is scheduled for completion by June 2026.

917      *Mr. Najam Mirza:  

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

(a) Is it a fact that scheme Karachi Urban Mobility Project- Yellow Line BRTs Corridor with cost of Rs.  2590.000 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 Karachi Urban Mobility Project – Yellow Line BRTs Corridor with cost of Rs. 61439.7 million (with GoS share Rs. 2590 million) is likely to be completed by September 2027.

THE PHYSICAL / FINANCIAL PROGRESS

There are 05 construction packages in this project out of which 02 packages i.e. construction of 02 Depots and New Jam Sadiq Bridge are in execution phase. The design of remaining 03 packages including the BRT Corridor and Off Corridor improvement has been completed and Tender Documents are under review with the World Bank. These are scheduled to be tendered out by mid-2025. Construction on 02 packages i.e. Depots located at Dawood Chowrangi, and adjacent to Indus Hospital, as well as Jam Sadiq Bridge is in full swing with  expenditure of Rs.3158.9 Million till date.

918      *Mr. Najam Mirza:  

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

(a)     Is it a fact that scheme Automation of RTA, PTA with cost of Rs.  97.865 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:-

Yes, the ADP Scheme No: 3805 Namely "Automation of RTA, PTA” with an estimated cost of Rs. 97.865 million is likely to be completed by June 2026.

The Transport & Mass Transit Department is executing the said ADP Scheme. This scheme is to streamline and digitise the business processes of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Provincial Transport Authority (PTA), MVI wing, and Properties of T&MTD.

            Objectives of the Scheme

·      Automate business processes of MVI, PTA, RTA and properties.

·      Increasing efficiency and transparency through digitization.

·      Providing a centralized data warehouse for decision-making.

·      Facilitating the public with streamlined access to transport services in the province through one-window solution.

·      Improving the ease of doing business in the province of Sindh.

In the first phase, the automation of the MVI wing has been completed, and the portal is now available for online activities. To date, an expenditure of Rs. 20.636 million has been incurred.

966      *Mr. Ali Khurshidi:  

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

(a)   Is it a fact that Government of Sindh is fully committed to revive KCR all the necessary approvals have been accorded to execute the project;

(b)  If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, the details thereof along with cost and date of completion of the project?

ANSWER

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

The Government of Sindh is fully committed to revive the KCR Project. However, the necessary approvals are in the process. The updated feasibility study completed by Government of Sindh in collaboration with Chinese firm CRCC, setting project cost at USD 2.002 billion, was submitted to China Railway Authority through Pakistan’s Planning Commission in April 2023. Discussions were held during the 10th and 11th Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings in 2023-24, but the feasibility approval remains pending.

Briefly, Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), a 43.13 kilometers urban transit project under CPEC, aims to serve 650,000 daily commuters with its 3rd Rail Electric system, enhancing accessibility, reducing traffic, and supporting Karachi’s economic growth.

969      *Mr. Ali Khurshidi:  

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

(a)   Is it fact that the scheme Installation/   Upgradation of Traffic Signals in Karachi (Phase-II) with cost of Rs. 170.000 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:-

Government of Sindh, through Sindh Mass Transit Authority, has undertaken the ADP Scheme (Phase-I) for Installation/Up gradation of traffic signals in Karachi as well as other cities of Sindh to reduce the traffic congestions as well as to provide safe efficient transport system. The scheme, with an estimated cost of Rs. 154.248 million, is scheduled for completion in June 2026. The total number of traffic signals included in the project is detailed below:

Further, the ADP Scheme Installation/ upgradation of Traffic Signals in Karachi ADP Scheme No. (Phase-II) is being carried out by Karachi Development Authority (KDA), with estimated cost of Rs.170.00 million and the scheme is planned for completion in June 2026. In this ADP scheme, 38 intersections in Karachi are being taken up for signalization and improvement with some roadwork.

971      *Mr. Ali Khurshidi:  

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

(a)      Is it fact that scheme rehabilitation of potholes at different places Shahrah-e-Faisal at the route of people bus service from Metropole Hotel to Airport with cost of Rs.98.000 million is to be completed by June 2026;

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

ANSWER

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

Yes, the scheme for the Rehabilitation of potholes at different places of Shahrah-e-Faisal along the routes of Peoples Bus Service, from Metropole Hotel to Airport, is being carried out by Karachi Development Authority (KDA), with an estimated cost of Rs.98.00 million and the scheme is likely to be completed in June 2026.

The scheme will rehabilitate various locations along Shahrah-e-Faisal from Metropole Hotel to the Airport for smooth operation of Route No.1 and Route No. 9 of the People’s Bus Service, providing improved transportation facilities for the general public.

KARACHI:                                                                           G.M UMAR FAROOQ

DATED, THE 31^st JULY, 2025                                                       SECRETARY

                                                                      PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH