Karachi Division

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Pakistan Academy of Engineering (PAE) has proposed the construction of Karachi's first underground railway network, describing the project as a long term strategic solution to the city's worsening traffic congestion, rapid population growth and increasing demand for efficient public transportation.
The proposal was presented during the academy's 40th Symposium, titled "Importance of Underground Mobility in a Megacity," where transportation planners, engineers and infrastructure experts from Pakistan, the United States and China examined the role of underground rail systems in improving mobility across major metropolitan cities.
During the symposium, experts reviewed successful metro and subway networks operating in Singapore, New York, Washington D.C., Delhi, Friedberg and Dhaka, highlighting how underground transit systems have helped reduce road congestion, improve commuter safety and support sustainable urban development.
Following detailed discussions, participants unanimously recommended the development of two underground railway corridors in Karachi. The first proposed route would connect Numaish Chowrangi with Merewether Tower, while the second corridor would run from FTC on Shahrah e Faisal to I.I. Chundrigar Road and Tower, linking key commercial and business districts with major urban centers.
PAE President Prof. Dr. Brigadier (Retired) Nasim Akhtar Khan said Karachi's expanding population and rising transportation demand require long term infrastructure planning rather than short-term traffic management measures. He emphasized that an underground railway system would provide a sustainable and efficient mass transit solution capable of meeting the city's future mobility requirements.
According to the academy, the proposed underground rail network would complement Karachi's existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system by creating an integrated public transportation network that would significantly increase passenger capacity while improving travel efficiency across the city.
Transport experts also noted that the project could deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits by reducing traffic congestion, shortening travel times, improving connectivity between residential, commercial and industrial areas, lowering vehicle emissions and providing millions of daily commuters with a safer, faster and more reliable mode of transportation.
The proposal reflects growing calls for large-scale urban infrastructure investment as Karachi continues to expand as Pakistan's largest metropolitan and commercial hub, placing increasing pressure on its existing transport network.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The government has suspended a proposed 5 percent increase in Karachi Port tariffs for fiscal year 2026 27, a move expected to provide more than Rs. 500 million in relief to importers and exporters.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar said the decision was taken to support trade and economic activity. He said the move is aligned with the Prime Minister’s Blue Economy vision, which aims to strengthen Pakistan’s maritime sector and facilitate businesses.
The minister said freezing Karachi Port Trust tariffs would help reduce operating costs for traders and industrialists, maintain stability in port-related charges and improve the overall business environment.
Junaid Anwar added that the government remains committed to introducing practical measures to promote exports, expand trade and accelerate economic growth.
Karachi Port handles the bulk of Pakistan’s seaborne trade, making port charges an important cost component for importers, exporters and industries dependent on raw material shipments.
The tariff freeze is expected to ease some pressure on businesses already facing higher logistics and financing costs.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The Sindh government has announced a development package exceeding Rs 100 billion for Karachi in its 2026 27 provincial budget, outlining a wide ranging programme focused on transport, water supply, sewerage, drainage, sanitation, healthcare, education and urban infrastructure.
Presenting the budget in the Sindh Assembly, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said the investment initiative is designed to improve civic services, ease traffic congestion and accelerate the transformation of Pakistan’s largest city into a more modern and efficient urban centre.
According to the chief minister, Karachi currently has 816 ongoing development schemes with a cumulative cost of Rs 644.3 billion. For the upcoming fiscal year, more than Rs 100.19 billion has been earmarked for the city, including 167 major projects valued at over Rs 500 million each and 110 mega projects costing more than Rs1 billion.
A significant portion of the allocation will support water and sewerage infrastructure. More than Rs 32 billion is already being spent under the Greater Karachi Sewerage Plan (S-III), while an additional Rs 1 billion has been allocated to maintain progress on the project. The Lyari Transformation Package will receive Rs 4.37 billion, while Rs 108.1 billion has been designated for 822 development schemes across the city.
To address Karachi’s persistent traffic challenges, the government has approved several major infrastructure projects. These include a Rs 1.2 billion flyover connecting Airport Road to Star Gate and a Rs 1.5 billion right-turn underpass linking Malir Halt with Shahrah e Faisal. Additional funding has been allocated for a flyover at the Sir Shah Suleman Road crossing over Gujjar Nala and improvements at key intersections along Shah Faisal Road.
The budget also prioritises drainage and flood mitigation measures. Allocations include Rs 1 billion for the third phase of major storm-water drain construction and rehabilitation projects, Rs 1.1 billion for the restoration of Gujjar Nala and its service roads, and Rs 280 million for a drainage project extending from the M-9 Motorway to Thado Nala.
In the sanitation sector, the government has earmarked Rs 1.66 billion for the establishment of six modern garbage transfer stations. More than Rs 9 billion has been allocated for the Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency Programme, while Rs 1.18 billion will be spent on upgrading the Jam Chakro and Gond Pass landfill sites.
Water supply infrastructure will also receive additional support. The budget allocates Rs 575.2 million for the expansion of the distribution network associated with the K-IV water supply project. Further investments will be directed toward upgrading pumping stations in Karachi’s East and Central districts and laying a new water supply line along the Lyari Expressway corridor.
Public transportation remains a key focus of the development agenda. The chief minister announced that 25 double decker buses will begin operations within the next three months, with an estimated daily ridership of 30,000 to 35,000 passengers. The government also plans to expand the Pink Bus Service and add 100 electric buses to Karachi’s growing public transport fleet.
To improve commuter convenience, the budget includes funding for automated fare collection systems across the Green Line, Orange Line and Peoples Bus Service networks. Meanwhile, the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has been allocated Rs 13.2 billion, while more than Rs3.5 billion has been earmarked for the Yellow Line corridor.
The social sector has also received substantial allocations. The budget sets aside Rs 1 billion for the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Rs 1.4 billion for a paediatric cardiac unit at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. Development funds have additionally been approved for a new medical college, the Karachi Education Complex, Bilawal Bhutto Engineering College Lyari and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Law University.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the government remains committed to strengthening Karachi’s infrastructure through sustained investments in public transport, healthcare, water supply and sewerage services. He added that the Rs 60.7 billion Shahrah e Bhutto Expressway has already begun improving mobility across the city by reducing travel times to approximately 25 minutes while facilitating the movement of around 25,000 vehicles daily.
Officials believe the development package will play a critical role in addressing Karachi’s longstanding infrastructure challenges and supporting the city’s continued economic and urban growth.