Karachis Public Transport: Origins, Evolution, and Future Planning

Transport is essential for socioeconomic development, enabling people to access jobs, markets, and services. Karachi has a major transport crisis, with the State making enormous investments to address its needs. This book describes the pre-independence situation and subsequent initiatives, analyzing the political, social, technical, and financial reasons for their failures and successes. It also looks at the innovative responses of the informal private sector and the interests of various stakeholders in the transport drama.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 12 June 2022
Publisher: OUP Pakistan

Transport is a vital catalyst for socioeconomic progress, enabling individuals to access a wide range of opportunities, including employment, markets, social connections, education, and essential services. By facilitating mobility, transport empowers people to break free from poverty and overcome social exclusion, fostering inclusive growth and development.

In the context of Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan and the twelfth-largest city globally, transport plays a pivotal role in economic development. However, the city faces a significant transport crisis, highlighting the need for effective solutions.

At independence in 1947, Karachi had a relatively efficient public transport system. Over the years, the government has invested substantial resources to address the city's transport needs. Various models of public, private, and public-private partnerships have been developed and implemented, along with a comprehensive railway system. While some of these initiatives initially achieved success, they eventually failed to sustain their impact.

This book delves into the pre-independence situation, subsequent initiatives, and the political, social, technical, and financial factors that contributed to their successes and failures. It also examines the role of international financial institutions and the judiciary in shaping transport policies. Furthermore, it explores the innovative responses of the informal private sector to the crisis, the advantages and disadvantages of present-day government planning, and the interests of various stakeholders involved in the transport drama of today.

By understanding the complexities of transport systems and the diverse stakeholders involved, this book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Karachi and other cities in the global landscape. It serves as a resource for policymakers, researchers, and citizens seeking to improve transport infrastructure and promote sustainable and inclusive development.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190706395