The Sindh government has approved major infrastructure and public services projects under the Public-Private Partnership model, including the launch of 500 electric buses for Karachi and Hyderabad and the construction of a 16.5-kilometer elevated highway from Karachi port to Qayyumabad.
The approvals came during the 48th PPP Political Board meeting chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the CM House on Friday.
The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Jam Khan Shoro, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar and others, along with senior officials including chief secretary Asif Haider Shah and P&D board chairman Najam Shah.
Green transportation project
The board gave green light to the People’s Green Transport Project, which aims to introduce 500 electric buses in Karachi and Hyderabad in phases. The project includes the development of depots, charging stations, bus stops, automated fare systems and a modern transport management network.
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Implemented under a Design-Build-Finance-Maintain-Operate-Transfer (DBFMOT) model with a 12-year concession, the project is expected to serve more than 200,000 daily passengers and be integrated with the Green Line BRT system. The board termed the initiative as an important step towards cleaner and more efficient urban mobility in Sindh.
Karachi Port-Qayyumabad Elevated Expressway
The board also approved the construction of a 16.5 km four-lane elevated freight highway that will connect Karachi Port (East Pier) to Jam Sadiq Junction in Qayyumabad. The project will shorten travel distance by 26 kilometres, minimize congestion on city roads and improve connectivity between the port, Shahrah-e-Bhutto and M-9 highway.
The CM directed the PPP Board to expedite the procedures so that the inauguration of the project could take place soon. The project includes a 10-year minimum revenue guarantee from the Sindh government. Design adjustments were approved to align with the BRT Yellow Line and minimize land acquisition.
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The board also reviewed the revised 10th year operating budget of the Sindh Government Children’s Hospital, North Karachi, which amounts to Rs 738.65 million, with an additional Rs 95.12 million in capital expenditure for the final year of its contract. The revisions were approved to ensure continued provision of quality healthcare.
Carbon credits for sale
To combat climate change and restore the riverine forests of Sindh, the board approved a 41,000 hectare afforestation project in Jamshoro and Matiari under PPP mode. The project is expected to generate between 35 and 40 million carbon credits for sale in international markets, generating valuable foreign exchange.
The board authorized the Forest Department to issue letters of award to selected bidders in three packages and approved engaging the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a feasibility study on a new 88,000 hectare riparian forestry project.
These initiatives, the CM said, reflect Sindh’s growing dependence on sustainable partnerships to modernize infrastructure, strengthen public services and address environmental challenges.
