Karachi, February 26, 2026 — The revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and the expansion of electric bus services in Sindh moved forward after high-level talks between the Sindh government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The meeting was held at the Chief Minister House, where Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah met an ADB delegation led by Country Director Emma Fan. Both sides agreed in principle to accelerate key transport and development projects across the province.
Speaking at the meeting, Murad Ali Shah said the KCR remains a top priority for the Sindh government. He described the project as essential for Karachi, adding that it would serve as a feeder system to various BRT lines and help reduce the city’s growing transport problems.
“Karachi Circular Railway is not just a transport project; it is a lifeline for the city,” the chief minister said. He added that the government is seeking financial and technical support to modernise the railway and integrate it into the city’s wider urban planning framework.
He said restoring the KCR would ease traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions and support economic growth in Pakistan’s largest city.
ADB Country Director Emma Fan agreed in principle to support the KCR project. She advised the provincial government to submit the required documentation so the proposal could be presented to the bank’s board for formal approval.
The meeting also focused on expanding electric bus services in Karachi and launching similar services in Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana. Officials described the initiative as part of a sustainable mobility framework aimed at promoting clean and energy-efficient transport.
Murad Ali Shah said electric buses would improve public transport while addressing environmental concerns. He added that the shift would help reduce fuel dependence and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
ADB representatives discussed possible financing options, including project readiness financing and co-financing arrangements. The Sindh government agreed to submit a formal proposal for the electric bus project.
The discussion also reviewed ADB’s proposed development pipeline for 2026–2029. The plan includes investments in health, education, sustainable mobility, urban infrastructure, water supply, rural sanitation, coastal resilience and public-private partnerships.
Additional financing for the Karachi BRT Red Line and preparation of new urban transport schemes were also discussed.
The chief minister stressed the need for timely completion, transparency and improved institutional capacity to avoid delays. He said that after the 2022 floods, Sindh aims to rebuild infrastructure in a more climate-resilient manner.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to advancing major transport projects, particularly the KCR and electric buses, as part of a broader development agenda for Sindh.
