CM Meets ADB Delegation to Accelerate Priority Development Projects

By: Aziz Khatri 

 Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah held a high-level meeting with a delegation led by Asian Development Bank Country Director Emmafen, where both sides agreed in principle to strengthen cooperation on major transport and development initiatives, including the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and the introduction of electric bus services in divisional headquarters across Sindh.

The chief minister described the revival of KCR as the provincial government’s flagship priority, calling it essential for addressing Karachi’s growing transport challenges. He stressed that a megacity like Karachi urgently requires an integrated mass transit system, including feeder services for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, to ensure affordable and safe mobility for millions of residents.

Murad Ali Shah said the provincial government is seeking financial and technical assistance to rehabilitate the circular railway with modern infrastructure and integrated urban planning. He noted that the project would significantly improve traffic flow, reduce carbon emissions and stimulate economic activity. The ADB country director agreed in principle to provide financial support, directing the Sindh government to submit the required documentation for board approval.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing ADB-supported initiatives, including the Karachi BRT Red Line project, and discussed a proposed development portfolio of around $3 billion for 2026–2029. The plan covers transport, urban development, health, education, water supply, rural development and environmental resilience.

Both sides also explored the introduction of electric bus services in four major cities under sustainable mobility initiatives. The chief minister said clean transport would modernise public transit, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen climate resilience.

ADB reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable transport, urban services, education and inclusive development in Sindh. The meeting further emphasised improving project preparation, approval processes and institutional capacity to avoid delays and cost overruns, with instructions issued to accelerate groundwork so priority projects can move forward between 2026 and 2028.

Senior provincial officials, including Chief Secretary, Planning and Development Chairman Najam Ahmed Shah and Secretary to the Chief Minister Asif Jamil, attended the meeting. Representatives from the World Bank were also present.