The Karachi Electric Bus Service, initiated by the Sindh government a year ago, is facing the risk of a complete shutdown. Buses operating on two of its three routes were suddenly suspended, leaving numerous passengers stranded. Only one route still has functional electric buses, and even that route has a limited number of high-tech public transport buses.
These electric buses were introduced as part of the People Bus Services project by the Sindh government in June 2023. One of the routes runs from Tank Chowk near Jinnah Avenue to Clock Tower, passing through various important locations like the Airport, Sharae Faisal, FTC, Korangi, and Khayaban-e-Ittahad.
The other route starts from Malir Cantt checkpost and travels to M.A. Jinnah Road via Safoora Chowk, Moosamyaat, Kamran Chowrangi, Perfume Chowk, Millennium, Dalmia, and Agha Khan Hospital.
To function, these electric buses require a charging dock to provide them with power. Two power stations were established in Bahria Town and Malir Cantt to serve a total of 40 buses. However, it’s been reported that the charging stations have been unable to charge the buses, leading to the suspension of services on two routes.
This sudden suspension has left thousands of passengers who rely on these electric buses in a state of shock, as the buses they were waiting for are no longer available.
