Edhi Corridor Link Connects Karachi BRT Routes, Boosts Public Transport
Karachi’s public transport system has taken a major step forward with the Edhi corridor link. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon announced the integration during a ceremony on Tuesday. As a result, commuters can now travel directly from Orangi Town to Nagan Chowrangi with greater ease.
The integration connects the Orange Line with the Green Line at the Orange Line depot. Therefore, Orange Line buses can now run on the Green Line track. This change increases the total stops from four to ten. It also offers faster and more reliable travel for Orangi Town residents.
Expansion, delays, and rising ridership
The Orange Line project began in 2016 under the Sindh Mass Transit Authority. However, repeated delays halted progress for several years. Authorities finally completed the project in 2022 after revising its cost to Rs5.5 billion.
The revised budget covered 20 buses, operations, maintenance, and route expansion. Later, the Sindh Infrastructure Development Company Limited took over operations for
three years. This decision ensured trained staff and smoother daily service.
Since the Sindh government assumed control of the Green Line, daily ridership has grown steadily. Passenger numbers increased from 55,000 to 75,000 per day. Officials now aim to reach 100,000 daily commuters soon.
New routes, services, and social message
Work continues on extending the Green Line toward Jama Cloth Market. Once complete, people will travel seamlessly from Surjani Town to the city center. In addition, authorities have launched a separate BRT service for women and introduced electric buses.
Memon also announced new bus services for Hyderabad, Khairpur, Shikarpur, and Tando Allahyar. From the new year, double-decker buses will begin trial operations from Malir to Shahrah-e-Faisal. These buses should help reduce congestion and overcrowding.
Beyond transport, Memon addressed a viral video showing violence. He urged society to reject intolerance and avoid aggression. According to him, weak arguments often lead to violence, while personal disputes sometimes appear as tribal conflicts.
