KARACHI – The Sindh government has announced a strategic plan to vacate the lands and buildings of the Transport Department within the next month. This significant decision was made during the 12th meeting of the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) Board, which was chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.
During the meeting, several key resolutions were passed to streamline and enhance the province’s transport infrastructure:
- Establishment of Divisional SMTA Offices: The board approved the creation of SMTA offices at the divisional level to decentralize operations and improve administrative efficiency.
- Extension of Contracts for Contract Employees: The contracts for current contract employees were extended, subject to the approval of the HR Committee. This move aims to maintain workforce stability as the SMTA scales up its activities.
- Issuance of Contracts for Yellow Line BRT: A major focus of the discussions was the issuance of contracts for the first two lots of the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which is crucial for improving urban mobility.
Minister Memon stressed the government’s dedication to accelerating transport projects, highlighting the delays experienced during the caretaker government period. He underscored the need for swift action to make up for lost time and advance key initiatives.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the following agenda items:
- Development of Jam Sadiq Bridge: The ongoing construction of the Jam Sadiq Bridge was reviewed, with an emphasis on timely completion to facilitate better connectivity.
- Yellow Line Depot: Progress on the Yellow Line BRT depot was discussed, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place for efficient operation.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy: The board highlighted the importance of developing a comprehensive EV policy. The Secretary Transport and the Ministry of Energy were tasked with providing a detailed report on the EV policy for the next meeting.
As the Sindh government pushes forward with its transport initiatives, stakeholders and citizens are optimistic about the potential improvements in the province’s transportation network. The coming weeks are expected to bring significant developments as these projects gain momentum.
