Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, during a cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister House on Thursday, revealed plans to acquire 1,000 pink electric motorcycles exclusively for women. In addition, the provincial government will also procure double-decker buses and electric vehicles (EVs) for Karachi, according to the CM’s spokesperson.
The introduction of these motorcycles aims to enhance women’s independence and mobility, empower them economically, challenge societal stereotypes, and ensure safer transport options.
As per the statement issued by CM’s spokesperson Rasheed Channa, the Sindh Transport and Mass Transit Authority (T&MTD) is launching a dedicated programme to provide women with sustainable transport solutions. Under this initiative, 1,000 electric motorcycles will be distributed through a transparent balloting process, open to media coverage.
To qualify, applicants must be female residents of Sindh, either working professionals or students, and must possess a valid two-wheeler driving license. Successful applicants will not be allowed to sell the motorcycle for at least seven years. The initiative will require Rs300 million, which will be raised outside the current provincial budget.
The cabinet acknowledged that globally, women are increasingly choosing electric motorcycles for daily commuting due to their affordability, environmental benefits, and low maintenance.
The procurement of these motorcycles will be handled by the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) through a competitive bidding process, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and reliable maintenance support.
Alongside this, the cabinet was also briefed on SMTA’s plans to acquire 50 public buses for Karachi, which will include 15 double-decker buses and 35 electric buses. The double-decker buses will operate on Shahrae Faisal, with Rs3 billion allocated for the project.
In another key development, CM Shah approved the establishment of a manufacturing company under Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) to locally produce anti-snake venom and anti-rabies vaccines.
The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, the chief secretary, and relevant departmental secretaries.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also announced a similar Pink Scooty and Electric Bikes Scheme to provide modern transport options for female students, youth, and working women in Balochistan.
Water Supply Improvements for Karachi’s K-IV Project
The Sindh government, in collaboration with the federal government, is actively working on the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV) to increase the city’s water supply by an additional 1,200 cusecs, bringing the total to 2,400 cusecs.
The project’s PC-1, valued at Rs39.94 billion, was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on July 19, 2023, with equal cost-sharing by the federal and Sindh governments. However, rising material and labor costs necessitated a revised estimate.
During the 2023-24 period, the Sindh Irrigation Department requested interim financial adjustments for ongoing contracts related to the Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper Lining Project. Although a new Composite Schedule of Rates (CSR) was approved on June 1, 2024, it does not apply retroactively to this project.
At a steering committee meeting held on November 7, 2024, members agreed on the importance of timely project completion, supporting interim relief and a revised PC-1. This revised plan, presented at the December 16, 2024 PDWP meeting, estimated project costs at Rs50.99 billion — a 27.65% increase from the initial budget. The Sindh cabinet approved these revisions.
Power Transmission for K-IV
The cabinet also discussed the construction of a dedicated transmission line and a 132kV grid station for the K-IV project. The total cost is projected at Rs16.47 billion, to be financed in stages as the project progresses.
Funding will consist of a 20% joint equity contribution of Rs3.29 billion by Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company (STDC) and Sindh Energy Holding Company Limited (SEHCL), with the remaining 80% (Rs13.17 billion) financed through loans from the Sindh Finance Department. Repayment will commence once the system becomes operational.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) will act as the primary 50MW bulk consumer, in coordination with the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO). A Transmission Service Agreement (TSA) will formalize this arrangement, with plans to establish a 50MW Renewable Energy Hybrid Independent Power Plant (IPP) near the project site.
