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Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has unveiled plans for a comprehensive Karachi Transport Master Plan, developed in partnership with the World Bank, to tackle the city’s decades-old mobility crisis. The initiative includes integrating the Yellow Line BRT, metro light rail, and the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) into one coordinated framework.
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, faces severe transport challenges with a daily requirement of at least 15,000 buses. Previous fragmented projects have failed to address the city’s needs. The new master plan, backed by the World Bank, aims to streamline BRT corridors with advanced rail systems while introducing climate-friendly electric buses.
During a high-level meeting at CM House with a World Bank delegation led by Ibrahim Khalil Zaki, the CM described the World Bank as a key partner. The delegation included transport economists and specialists who pledged full financial and technical support.
- The plan will cover BRT lines, metro light rail, tourist and goods trains, and KCR.
- Dhabeji has been offered as a hub for transport-related industries.
- A joint working group will be formed to draft the final master plan.
Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon provided an update on the Yellow Line BRT, a 21-km corridor from Dawood Chowrangi to Khalid Bin Waleed Road, featuring 36 stations (at-grade, elevated, underpasses, and underground). Once completed in December 2025, it will cater to 300,000 passengers daily.
Karachi Mega Transport Plan Overview
| Project/Component | Details |
| Karachi Master Plan | Integration of BRT, metro light rail, KCR, tourist & goods trains |
| Daily Bus Requirement | 15,000 buses needed for Karachi’s commuters |
| Electric Buses | Climate-friendly step already launched |
| Yellow Line BRT Length | 21 km, from Dawood Chowrangi to Khalid Bin Waleed Road |
| Yellow Line BRT Facilities | 21 at-grade stations, 4 underpasses, 4 elevated stations, 8 flyovers, 3 underground |
| Completion Timeline | Yellow Line BRT: Dec 2025; Depots: Sept 2026 |
| Passenger Capacity | 300,000 daily commuters |
The Yellow Line BRT and Karachi Transport Master Plan mark a turning point for urban mobility in Pakistan’s largest metropolis. With World Bank’s support and government commitment, Karachi is on track to achieve a modern, climate-friendly, and efficient public transport system.
CM Murad Ali Shah emphasized, “Karachi deserves a transport network that matches its size and importance. This partnership is the foundation for a new era of mobility.”
Key questions remain: Will the plan be executed on time, and how will it impact Karachi’s traffic chaos once fully operational?
