The Sindh government has decided to integrate the surveillance camera systems installed in the Peoples Bus Service and the newly launched Electric Vehicle (EV) Taxi Service with Karachi’s Safe City Project. The initiative aims to strengthen security monitoring, improve passenger safety, and enhance the overall public transport environment in the city. Provincial Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the development in Karachi, emphasizing that the move is a major step toward adopting advanced, technology-driven mechanisms for urban security and transportation management.

Sharjeel Memon stated that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to building a safer and more efficient modern transportation network. He explained that public transport in Karachi has expanded in recent years with the addition of multiple bus routes under the Peoples Bus Service, as well as the introduction of the EV taxi program to facilitate eco-friendly commuting. With the increase in ridership and the geographic expansion of routes, ensuring the safety of passengers, drivers, and vehicles has become a central focus for policymakers.

According to the minister, the integration of surveillance systems with the Safe City network will enable centralized, real-time monitoring of buses and taxis on city roads. The Safe City Project operates through a network of high-resolution cameras, control rooms, and analytic systems designed to track movement, identify suspicious activities, and respond to emergency situations more effectively. Linking transport surveillance cameras to this network means authorities will be able to monitor routes, enforce traffic rules, detect crime, respond quickly to incidents, and maintain greater oversight over public vehicles.

He further noted that Karachi, being one of the largest metropolitan cities in the region, faces significant challenges related to security, traffic congestion, and public mobility. Over the years, incidents such as harassment, theft, vehicle vandalism, and road accidents have raised concerns among commuters. By equipping buses and taxis with cameras that are actively monitored, authorities expect a substantial decline in such incidents and an increase in public trust in the transport system.

Sharjeel Memon highlighted that once integration is completed, traffic management will improve due to live route tracking and monitoring of high-density traffic points. This will help regulate bus and taxi flow, reduce delays, and allow relevant departments to respond immediately in cases of road blockages, breakdowns, or emergency diversions. The system will also support law enforcement agencies in identifying and intercepting vehicles involved in illegal or dangerous activities.

The Transport Minister added that the initiative is part of a broader plan to develop Karachi’s transportation network along modern and sustainable lines. Recent additions such as air-conditioned buses, trackless transport routes, women-only seats and compartments, and EV taxis reflect a shift toward citizen-focused mobility solutions. The government plans to continue upgrading bus terminals, maintenance facilities, ticketing systems, and passenger service centers to further enhance efficiency.

He also stated that the Safe City Project’s technology capabilities, including facial recognition, number plate tracking, and behavior monitoring, will support the prevention of crime in real-time. The integration will bring Karachi closer to international standards where public transport surveillance plays a central role in maintaining urban safety.

Observers note that the integration of transit systems with intelligent monitoring networks is successfully practiced in many major cities around the world, including Istanbul, Dubai, London and Singapore. These cities have demonstrated that such technological measures can help reduce traffic violations, lower crime rates, and improve public satisfaction with transportation services. Sindh’s decision to follow this model signals a long-term commitment to modernizing Karachi’s infrastructure.

Transport sector experts believe that the success of the project will depend on proper coordination between transport authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the Safe City command centers. Ensuring that control rooms are properly staffed, equipped, and operational 24/7 will be essential to achieving the intended benefits. Data privacy and surveillance ethics will also need to be managed carefully to ensure public confidence.

Public reaction to the announcement has been largely positive, especially among regular commuters who often rely on buses and taxis for daily travel. Many passengers say that enhanced monitoring will create a safer environment, prevent harassment, and ensure a quick response in emergency situations.