To help Pakistan improve its transportation system, China has offered to introduce state-of-the-art air-conditioned ‘electric busses’ on roads of various mega cities including Karachi.
Chinese Minister for Enterprise Management Xia Bin and Deputy Minister for Transport Pan Dao Hui made this offer at a meeting with Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar at his office.
Xia Bin said the Chinese government is interested to support Pakistan in the field of public transportation. He offered the Mayor China is ready to introduce some 500 air-conditioned electric buses which, according to him, would be operated through computerized system and monitored continuously in real time.
Chinese Minister said a delegation of one of the leading Chinese transport companies; Chong Qing Transpiration Holding Group Limited accompanied him in this Pakistan’s tour. He said the company has great track record in the field bringing about revolutionary improvement in the transport infrastructure of various cities in China, which some 20-year back, had similar challenges the Karachi is facing today. He desired Karachiites would also enjoy similar transport system.
Mayor welcomed the offer expressing hope that friendly China was capable to ensure latest transportation system to ease the sufferings of millions of Karachiites as this port city has been facing numerous infrastructural challenges, particularly in transport system for last many years.
He said environment-friendly transport is crucial for Karachi. He wanted this proposal be materialized. He said Chinese company could be allowed to operate some buses on a specific route, on an experimental basis. However, prior to making final decision on the project Mayor wants to get details of the cost of the project and other modalities.
He said he would hold a meeting with Sindh Transport Minister and other relevant authorities. The final decision would be made right after a detailed deliberation with them on this proposal, Waseem said.
Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Asghar Abbas, Chairman Works Committee Hassan Naqvi, Director Transport S.M. Taha, Director Technical Mayor Secretariat S.M. Shakeeb, senior KMC officials and IT consultants were also present.
