Bullet train verdict

Earlier this month, the Sindh information and transport minister announced a plan to introduce bullet trains between Karachi and Sukkur. While a bullet train from Karachi to Sukkur has potential benefits, it is a high-cost, high-risk endeavour. A bullet train could be a future goal, but for now, Sindh's priorities should be more grounded in improving basic services and infrastructure. Addressing immediate transport and infrastructure needs through phased improvements to existing rail and road networks would likely yield more practical and widespread benefits.

The Sindh government should prioritise upgrading Karachi’s existing bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, local train services, and road networks, which serve a larger population and addressing basic urban issues like drainage, power supply, and traffic management as a precursor to such high-tech projects.

Dr Mohammad Saleem

Karachi