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Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt allocates budget for EV taxis, scooters in FY26
The Sindh government has decided to allocate a significant budget in the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 for the procurement of additional buses and promotion of electric vehicles, including EV taxis and scooters. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the Sindh Transport and Mass Transit Department held in Karachi, chaired by Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon. The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, MD Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo, CEO TransKarachi Fawad Ghaffar Soomro, and other senior officials. A comprehensive review of ongoing and proposed projects, including the Peoples Bus Service and EV scooters initiative, was presented during the meeting. Sindh govt steps up efforts aimed at launching EV taxi service next month Discussions also focused on the development of charging infrastructure for EVs at multiple locations across the province. Minister Memon was briefed on the progress of projects undertaken during FY2024-25 and held in-depth discussions on the proposed initiatives for FY2025-26. The Sindh Mass Transit Authority also informed the minister about potential partnerships under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for launching new bus services. The forum was further informed that the critical segment of the Yellow Line BRT, including the Jam Sadiq Bridge, has been completed and may be inaugurated later this month. Memon instructed concerned authorities to expedite work on the Red Line BRT to ensure its timely completion. Speaking on the occasion, the senior minister said the Sindh government is committed to developing an environmentally sustainable and modern public transport system. 'We are striving to provide affordable and eco-friendly transport options to the public,' he said. He added that more buses are expected to arrive in Karachi soon, and the city will also see the introduction of double-decker buses. 'We've already launched successful initiatives like EV buses and the Peoples Bus Service in Karachi, and we are working to expand this network across the entire province,' he noted. Memon emphasized that the government aims to ensure modern transport services for citizens throughout Sindh. 'Our projects are aimed at streamlining traffic and modernizing the transport system on contemporary lines,' he concluded.
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt decides to unify online taxi services under one system
KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to unify all online taxi services operating in Karachi under a single system and expedite the launch of electric vehicle (EV) taxis. An important meeting of the Transport and Mass Transit Department was held in Karachi, chaired by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, specially attended by the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Investment and Public-Private Partnership, Qasim Naveed Qamar, along with Secretary Transport Asad Zamin and Managing Director of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority Kamal Dayo. The meeting reviewed the progress in establishing new Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers, as well as, the performance of the existing centers in Karachi. It also discussed various models for providing EV taxis to the public on easy instalments. Additionally, the meeting evaluated the initiative to provide scooters to working women and female students. Speaking at the meeting, Sharjeel Inam stated that providing quality, safe and environment-friendly transportation facilities to the citizens of Karachi is the top priority of the Sindh government. He stated that efforts are under way to bring Karachi's taxi system under a single, integrated, and modern framework. All taxi services will be organised under one umbrella to ensure safe, standardised, and legally compliant facilities for passengers. This unified system will help improve fare regulation, service quality, and vehicle inspection standards. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Sindh announces plan for unified ride-hailing system and electric vehicle taxis in Karachi
Listen to article The Sindh government has unveiled plans to streamline all ride-hailing services in Karachi by implementing a unified regulatory framework, alongside the introduction of an Electric Vehicle (EV) taxi network. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting of the Sindh Transport Department, chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. The meeting also included key officials such as Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, Transport Secretary Asad Zaman, and Sindh Mass Transit Authority MD Kamal Dayo. Minister Memon highlighted that the unified system would enhance service quality, ensure passenger safety, and promote fare transparency across the city. 'We are working towards bringing all taxi services under a single, efficient system that guarantees fare transparency and strict vehicle inspections,' he stated. As part of its green transport strategy, the Sindh government is also fast-tracking the launch of an EV taxi service to modernise the city's taxi network and reduce environmental pollution. Efforts are underway to make EV taxis more accessible through easy financing options, including installment plans. The government is also focusing on gender-inclusive mobility by introducing a pink scooter programme aimed at women. In the first phase, 1,000 pink scooters will be distributed free of charge to working women and female students. 'This initiative reflects our commitment to women's empowerment and their access to safe and reliable transport,' Memon said. Furthermore, the Sindh government plans to phase out traditional buses in Karachi, relocating them to other districts, and replacing them with electric buses. Double-decker buses are set to arrive in June, with additional buses expected by early July. To support this transition, the government is working on the development of infrastructure, including EV charging stations and designated parking areas.
Express Tribune
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
How to register for sindh's free pink scooty scheme for women
Listen to article The Government of Sindh has launched the Pink EV Scooty Scheme to distribute free electric scooters to women across the province. Led by the Transport and Mass Transit Department and implemented by the Sindh Mass Transit Authority, the initiative aims to improve mobility and promote independence for female students and working professionals. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of Sindh, hold a valid motorbike or car driving license, and be either enrolled in an educational institution or employed. Beneficiaries must also agree not to sell or sublet the scooty for a minimum of seven years. Shortlisted applicants will be selected through a transparent balloting process conducted in the presence of media and monitored by a committee that includes representatives from the Transport, Excise, and Finance departments, as well as members of the press. Selected candidates will undergo a road safety skill test before final allotment. The scheme also includes training, registration, helmet provision, and access to EV charging infrastructure. Applications must be submitted online via the Sindh Mass Transit Authority's official website. Eligibility Criteria Permanent residency in Sindh Student or working woman Valid car or motorcycle driving license Willingness to retain the scooty for at least seven years without resale or subletting Required to pass a road safety skill test if shortlisted Selection and Oversight Final selection will be conducted through a transparent ballot Balloting will take place in the presence of print and electronic media A supervisory committee will include officials from relevant departments and independent media personnel to ensure transparency Application Process Visit the Sindh Mass Transit Authority's official website Navigate to the 'Projects' section Access the 'EV Scooty Ballot Form – Application Form' Complete the form and upload all required documents before submission Documents Required CNIC (front and back) Domicile certificate Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) Valid driving license (front and back) Student ID or employee ID card Last month, the Sindh government announced a scheme to award free 'pink scooters' to women through a lottery system, aimed at empowering female commuters in the province. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon unveiled the initiative during a press conference in Karachi, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting women's mobility. 'A driving licence is mandatory for women to participate in the scheme,' Sharjeel Memon said, adding that the lucky draw would be held at an open event. The initiative follows the provincial government's launch of the 'Pink Bus' service in 2023, dedicated to female passengers. Sharjeel Memon also announced plans to introduce a 'pink taxi' service, with women drivers behind the wheel.
Express Tribune
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Sindh takes the lead to empower women
The Sindh cabinet has approved several key projects, including the procurement of 1,000 pink electric motorcycles for women, double-decker buses and electric vehicles (EVs) for the metropolitan city, and the improvement of Keejhar Lake. One of the key decisions was the approval of a programme aimed at enhancing female mobility through sustainable transportation. The Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) plans to introduce 1,000 pink electric motorcycles specifically for women at a cost of Rs300 million. These bikes will be distributed through an open balloting process. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of Sindh, either students or working women, and agree not to sell the two-wheelers for seven years. The cabinet believes this project would empower women by offering them greater mobility, independence, and economic opportunities. The cabinet also greenlit the procurement of 50 public transport buses for the metropolis. This includes 15 double-decker buses to operate on Sharae Faisal and 35 electric buses for other routes in the city. The Rs3 billion project aims to provide a cleaner, more efficient public transport system for Karachiites. The cabinet was informed that the provincial government is working with the Centre on the Greater Karachi Bulk Supply Scheme K-IV to increase water supply by 1,200 cusecs. This scheme, which has a budget of Rs39.94 billion, is crucial for ensuring sustainable water access for the city's growing population.
