Sindh Govt to Launch Peoples Bus Service in Five More Cities Across Province
In a major initiative to transform public transportation across the province, the Sindh govt to launch Peoples Bus Service in five more cities after Eidul Fitr. The announcement was made by Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, following a meeting of the Transport and Mass Transit Department in Karachi on Friday March 13 2026 .
The expansion represents a significant step toward fulfilling the Pakistan Peoples Party’s commitment to providing affordable, modern, and comfortable public transport to citizens across Sindh, building on the success of the service in Karachi and other cities where it has already been introduced.
Sindh Govt : Five New Cities to Receive Bus Service
According to officials, the Sindh govt to launch Peoples Bus Service in the following five cities after Eid :
City Division Current Status
- Hyderabad Hyderabad Existing service to be expanded
- Tando Allahyar Hyderabad New launch
- Sukkur Sukkur Existing service to be expanded
- Shikarpur Larkana New launch
- Khairpur Sukkur New launch
The announcement confirms that Hyderabad and Sukkur, where limited bus services already operate, will see significant expansion of their fleets and routes, while Tando Allahyar, Shikarpur, and Khairpur will receive the Peoples Bus Service for the first time .
Read Also Here: Major Oil Shipment Reached Karachi from UAE
New EV Bus Routes for Karachi
In addition to the inter-city expansion, the Sindh govt to launch new electric vehicle bus routes in Karachi starting next week. A new EV bus route from Gulshan-e-Maymar to Tower will begin operations, providing much-needed connectivity for residents of the western suburbs .
The meeting also approved the addition of more double-decker and EV buses to Karachi’s existing fleet and discussed various measures to improve overall transport services in the provincial capital .
Sharjeel Inam Memon confirmed that the first new EV bus route will operate from Gulshan-e-Iqbal to Tower, with services gradually expanding to other districts of Sindh after Eid .
Background: Peoples Bus Service Success Story
The Peoples Bus Service was launched by the Sindh government in June 2022, with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inaugurating the initial service in Karachi and Larkana . Initially, 140 buses were procured, with 130 operating in Karachi and 10 in Larkana during the first phase.
Since then, the service has grown substantially. In January 2026, then-Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar added another 80 buses to the fleet, including 30 hybrid and 50 electric vehicles. This brought Karachi’s total fleet to 300 buses, including 18 Pink Buses dedicated to women passengers .
According to official data, approximately 1.5 million people now travel daily in Karachi through the Peoples Bus Service, while 75,000 people use the integrated Orange Line and Green Line BRT services .
Current Operational Statistics
As of early 2026, the Peoples Bus Service operates with the following coverage :
Location Buses in Operation Routes
Karachi 204 11 routes
Hyderabad 12 2 routes
Sukkur 10 1 route
Larkana 6 1 route
The service also includes nine Pink Buses operating on two dedicated routes in Karachi, providing women-exclusive transport that has drawn widespread recognition .
Integration with BRT Systems
The Sindh govt to launch enhanced connectivity by integrating the Peoples Bus Service with existing Bus Rapid Transit systems. In December 2025, the Edhi Orange Line and Green Line BRT were merged, expanding the Orange Line from four stops to 10 and allowing passengers to travel from Orangi to Nagan Chowrangi using the Green Line BRT track .
This integration has improved access for residents of Orangi Town and surrounding areas, with officials aiming to benefit up to 100,000 additional passengers through such measures .
Double-Decker Buses Return to Karachi
A significant milestone was achieved in December 2025 when double-decker buses returned to Karachi’s streets after nearly 65 years . The Sindh govt to launch these iconic vehicles on major routes, with five diesel double-decker buses initially operating on Shahrah-e-Faisal from Model Colony to Tower and back.
Each double-decker bus can carry 115 to 120 passengers and features air-conditioning along with convertible roofs that can be opened in pleasant weather . Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described the launch as a “special gift” to Karachiites and a significant step toward modernizing urban mobility in Pakistan’s largest metropolis .
The trial service began in late December 2025 from Malir to Sharea Faisal and up to Zainab Market, with officials promising that double-decker buses would be introduced on all major roads of the city in 2026 .
Infrastructure Improvements
Recognizing that modern buses require quality roads, the Sindh govt to launch significant infrastructure upgrades alongside the bus service expansion. The Sindh cabinet has allocated more than Rs9 billion for roads in Karachi’s industrial areas, with several mega projects expected to be completed by March 2026 .
Work is currently underway on Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Link Road, Red Line BRT, Yellow Line BRT, and other major projects . Sharjeel Memon acknowledged that roads remain a challenge but said continuous work is being done for their improvement under the personal supervision of the Sindh Chief Minister.
During the recent Transport Department meeting, SMTA officials briefed attendees on challenges and issues related to road infrastructure that impact bus operations. Sharjeel Memon stated that these issues would be addressed in coordination with relevant ministries, with the Sindh government prioritizing work on all major roads in Karachi .
Funding and Partnerships
The Sindh govt to launch these expansions through various funding mechanisms. The Telephone Industry of Pakistan, a subsidiary of the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation, has partnered with the Sindh government under a “Rent to Own” model. Under this arrangement, the Sindh government pays nominal lease payments including operational and capital costs for eight years, after which the buses are handed over to the provincial government .
After Eid, Sindh Bank, the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF), and the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) will formally sign a memorandum of understanding to support the expansion of EV bus services .
The Sindh government has also proposed purchasing 500 more buses in the upcoming budget to meet the transport needs of the province’s growing population .
Environmental Commitment
The emphasis on electric and hybrid vehicles reflects the Sindh government’s commitment to environmentally sustainable transport solutions. The introduction of EV buses aligns with broader policies promoting clean transportation and reducing the carbon footprint of public transit .
During the recent Transport Department meeting, officials discussed measures to ensure that key performance indicators include proper maintenance of buses throughout the contract period, with batteries expected to remain in sound working condition when buses are handed over to the government after eight years .
Public Response and Ridership
The Peoples Bus Service has received an overwhelmingly positive response from citizens. According to officials, around 100,000 passengers use the service daily in Karachi alone, with ridership increasing steadily as new routes are added .
The women-exclusive Pink Buses have been particularly successful, providing safe and comfortable transport for female commuters who previously had limited options. The service operates successfully and has drawn huge recognition from all concerned quarters .
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, the Sindh govt to launch even more extensive services across the province. Officials have indicated that after the successful launch in the five newly announced cities, the service will be extended to other districts including Mirpur Khas and additional urban centers .
The integration of the Peoples Bus Service with the Red Line and Yellow Line BRT projects will further enhance connectivity across Karachi’s sprawling metropolitan area.
Official Statements
Speaking at the Transport Department meeting, Sharjeel Inam Memon emphasized that the expansion aims to benefit more citizens by providing affordable and quality travel options. He assured that all public transport projects will continue to be prioritized and implemented efficiently .
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed the expansion plans, reiterating that the people of Karachi and other Sindh cities deserve better travel facilities. “The new bus service will make commuting easier for citizens,” he said in a statement, adding that “modern transport is a symbol of urban dignity and easier living” .
Analysis by Best Pak Mag:
The decision by the Sindh govt to launch Peoples Bus Service in five more cities represents a significant expansion of public transport infrastructure in a province where such facilities have long been inadequate. With Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Sukkur, Shikarpur, and Khairpur set to receive or expand services after Eid, the benefits of affordable, modern transport will reach hundreds of thousands of additional citizens. The timing is notable—this expansion comes as the existing service in Karachi has proven remarkably successful, with 1.5 million daily passengers demonstrating the pent-up demand for quality public transport . The integration of EV and hybrid buses into the fleet aligns with global trends toward sustainable urban mobility, while the double-decker revival has brought both practical capacity and nostalgic appeal . However, challenges remain. The Rs9 billion allocated for Karachi’s industrial area roads is a start, but infrastructure across Sindh requires sustained investment . The Rent-to-Own model with TIP provides a financially viable path to fleet expansion without straining provincial budgets . For citizens in Tando Allahyar and Shikarpur, this announcement means access to air-conditioned, affordable transport for the first time. For Hyderabad and Sukkur, it means expanded routes and more buses. If implemented effectively, this expansion could transform how Sindh’s residents commute, work, and access opportunities across the province.
Read More Here:
