By S.M. Inam
The Sindh government has reached out to the World Bank in a bid to secure support for two of its most ambitious transport projects, signaling a renewed effort to tackle the chronic mobility challenges facing Pakistan’s largest province. Senior provincial minister Sharjeel Inam Memon described the Karachi Circular Railway and the high-speed train connecting Karachi to Sukkur as transformative initiatives, capable of easing congestion, modernizing urban transport, and reshaping the daily lives of millions of residents who have long endured overcrowded roads, unreliable public services, and a system struggling to keep pace with rapid population growth.
During a meeting with a World Bank delegation in Karachi, Memon outlined detailed plans to strengthen Sindh’s transport infrastructure, emphasizing strategies aimed at improving both efficiency and accessibility. He highlighted the ongoing work on the Railway Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, noting that a key segment of the Taj Haider bridge had already been completed while construction on the remaining sections continues. The minister insisted that decisions on the project are guided by public interest, underlining the critical role that timely international support would play in bringing these initiatives to fruition.
Attention was also drawn to the Green Line BRT, recently transferred from federal to provincial administration, which has seen daily ridership increase by 33,000 under Sindh management. Yet, despite these gains, the city continues to face a severe shortage of buses, a problem amplified by Karachi’s sprawling urban footprint and the relentless growth of its population. For ordinary commuters, the consequences are immediate and tangible: crowded vehicles, long and unpredictable travel times, and the daily challenge of navigating a congested, often chaotic, cityscape.
Memon framed the appeal to international partners as more than a request for investment; it was presented as an opportunity to improve the quality of life for millions of Karachi residents. “Our goal is not just to build bridges or lay tracks,” he said. “It is to connect communities, create opportunities, and make daily travel safer, faster, and more comfortable for ordinary people.” His comments highlight the wider vision behind these projects: transport is not merely about moving people from one place to another, but about enabling access to education, employment, healthcare, and social mobility.
Experts note that the Karachi Circular Railway, long delayed despite repeated promises, could provide a critical lifeline for the city. Stretching across key urban districts, the project is expected to alleviate road congestion while offering a more environmentally sustainable alternative to the city’s overburdened road network. Similarly, the high-speed train linking Karachi to Sukkur embodies a broader ambition, connecting urban hubs and rural districts alike, facilitating trade, commerce, and economic growth along the route. Together, these projects reflect a strategic effort to modernize transport while boosting economic development across Sindh.
The appeal to the World Bank comes amid a wider push by provincial authorities to attract international investment in urban infrastructure. With a metropolitan population exceeding 20 million, Karachi’s transport system is no longer simply a convenience; it has become an urgent necessity. Residents face the daily toll of overcrowded roads and prolonged travel times, compounded by insufficient public transport and ageing infrastructure. Sustained investment, alongside careful planning and oversight, is crucial if the city is to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
For the provincial government, international support could accelerate these flagship projects, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. Memon’s repeated emphasis on public interest and transparency reflects an awareness of the importance of maintaining public trust and assuring potential donors that funds will be used effectively. For residents, the promise of improved transport infrastructure is not an abstract vision but a concrete solution to long-standing frustrations that affect their daily routines, livelihoods, and well-being.
Ultimately, the Sindh government’s appeal signals a broader ambition: to leverage infrastructure investment not merely for economic gain but as a tool for social progress. Efficient transport is key to connecting people with opportunities and services, while also reducing the environmental burden of a city long plagued by congestion and pollution. For millions of Karachi’s daily commuters, a modern, reliable, and accessible transport network is more than a goal—it is an urgent necessity, one that could transform ordinary journeys into a smoother, safer, and more dignified part of everyday life.
(The writer is a former government officer and a senior analyst on national and international affairs, can be reached at inam@metro-morning.com)
