By Shaheen Hashim
KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon urged the World Bank to extend support for two of the province’s flagship transport projects, the Karachi Circular Railway and the Karachi–Sukkur high-speed train, describing them as potential “game changers” for the region.
The minister met with a World Bank delegation in Karachi to discuss urban mobility improvements, strengthening the city’s transport network, and exploring sustainable development models for large-scale infrastructure projects.
During the meeting, Memon emphasized that timely international assistance would be crucial for ensuring the completion of these projects on schedule. He highlighted the importance of modernizing Karachi’s transport system to address long-standing challenges of congestion, inefficiency, and limited connectivity, arguing that these initiatives could significantly enhance economic activity and quality of life for millions of commuters.
The minister also drew attention to the successes of existing public transport schemes, including the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and noted that under the Sindh government’s management, the Green Line BRT had seen daily ridership increase by 33,000 passengers. Memon framed these figures as evidence of the province’s commitment to improving public transport while making decisions in the public interest.
Officials present described the meeting as constructive, with both sides exploring ways to structure technical, financial, and operational support to ensure the projects’ sustainability. Observers said Memon’s appeal reflected a broader strategy by the Sindh government to attract international funding and expertise for critical infrastructure, while demonstrating progress in managing existing transport initiatives effectively.
