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KARACHI: A Chinese company has offered an over $600 million transport project involving over 2,000 electric buses to solve the issues being faced by the metropolis commuters.
The offer was made by a six-member Chinese delegation led by Thomas Wang to City Mayor Wasim Akhtar during a meeting at his office on Sunday.
Thomas Wang, who represents Chinese company Eco-Bus, has reportedly said that the company would also gift two such buses that would reach the city within two months.
The buses are being sent here so that these could be tried and evaluated on the roads here and local staffers — drivers, mechanics and other related people — could be trained, he added.
Briefing the media persons after the meeting, the mayor said that situation / condition of the public transport in the city was pathetic and if this project, which would be evaluated and examined, was materialised, it could solve the transport issues of Karachiites to a great extent.
He said that two buses, which had been gifted by the Chinese company, would arrive in the city in a next few weeks so that these could be examined in the local conditions.
He said neither these eco-friendly buses would cause the air pollution, nor would create noise pollution.
The imported fossil fuel would also not be used so precious foreign exchange could also be saved, he added.
He said that under the project over 500 stations would be established at different locations in the city where these buses could be charged. Once charged these buses could travel approximately 280 kilometres.
He said that the Chinese company had offered various proposals: they could bring in the investment and operate the buses themselves, they could work in a joint venture — with the government or the local transport — or could just sell the buses.
He said that all these proposals would be examined to see which one was more beneficial for the general public.
The mayor said that all the mega cities around the globe had urban mass transit systems, but leave alone the mass transit system, here in the metropolis unfortunately did not exists a fully functional public transport system, owing to which people suffered and were forced to travel in buses and minibuses that were in dilapidated condition.
He said that the Chinese company was in contact with the government.
He said that he had assured the delegation that the civic agency would extend all assistance so that this vital eco-friendly project, which could solve the transport issues of, and provide relief to, the people, could be implemented, hopefully soon.
Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2017
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Comments (83) Closed
Oct 30, 2017 09:40am
What percentage of commission is being given?
Why electric?
Why not natural gas buses from reputable bus companies such as M.A.N , Mercedes, Volvo. Off course these companies would not give high commission.
Why not allow private owners to purchase and run their buses similar to 1960 -1970
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Oct 30, 2017 09:47am
Good move by Chinese. Their buses will create good will in Karachi public and a nice move for advertisement of Chinese products.
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Oct 30, 2017 09:53am
Cool, Definitely will be environment friendly. I agree. Only tow doubts
a)Its a chinese product. You know what i mean lol.
b)If there is no electricity issue, (As we read the dawn post regards load shred), then it will be coll else....
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Oct 30, 2017 10:03am
After buses another proposal for electric terminals for charging....offers new loan again...
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Oct 30, 2017 10:09am
There is no electricity nor space on roads nor patience in people nor there is a plan to run those busses. What is the point to bringing those busses on an already packed and driven my transport mafia in city like Karachi.
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Oct 30, 2017 10:09am
nice initiative, if sincere efforts are made
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Oct 30, 2017 10:14am
Good.. Electric is future to replace petrol diesel engine n its good for health n environment.
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Oct 30, 2017 10:19am
Soon to be saotaged by dirty politics between PPP and MQM and untiring efforts of transport mafia in the city...just like dozens of other attempts to improve public transport in Karachi in the past.
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Oct 30, 2017 10:25am
Pakistan, Made in China.
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Oct 30, 2017 10:32am
Hope to charge these buses there is un-interrupted power available 24 X 7.
Do consider water logging and high humidity to avoid getting electrocuted .
Chinese products have very short life and extremely poor safety standards.
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Oct 30, 2017 10:50am
What happens when K-Electric decides to switch off power from its grid, for whatever reason. Result: People and buses stranded in different parts of the city. Project planners must make sure all such factors are taken into consideration.
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Oct 30, 2017 10:53am
No need to do this investment. Please stay away. Garbage offer
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Oct 30, 2017 10:59am
All mini bus owners should be advised to replace it with new chinese electric buses.govt of sindh make some arrangements to provide loans through banks so that they can purchase these buses.previously KRTC,KTC,SRTC ,badly failed due to corruption in public sector organisations.Mayer of karachi may come forward and talk to the president of karachi transport ittahad etc etc.
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Oct 30, 2017 11:08am
China wants increase in CPEC loans to reach 100 billion US dollars before 25% of devaluation of Pakistan Rupee.
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Oct 30, 2017 11:13am
The Project should be on BOT (Built, Operate and Transfter) bases. otherwise it will be a mess
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Oct 30, 2017 11:20am
IT IS A GOOD MOVE. WE NEED SUCH AIR CONDITIONED TRANSPORT TO AVOID LONG WAITING AND THIS WILL END TRANSPORT MAFIA. We need good standard roads to run these environment friendly buses.
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Oct 30, 2017 11:22am
Spin doctors at work. Article is trying to give an impression as if this is a generous gift. Time to get a loan to buy, then just get another loan for electricity, then a third loan to pay the interest for the first loan. Then Repeat.
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Oct 30, 2017 11:35am
JF 17 thunder manufacturing was started with USD 500 million and 2000 buses cannot be made with USD 600 million.
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Oct 30, 2017 11:46am
I do like the word 'offered' ,suggests free, but it's not it's a sales pitch, plain and simple.'
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Oct 30, 2017 11:49am
Where are green buses ????
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Oct 30, 2017 11:54am
lol Eco friendly!!! where does electricity comes from?
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Oct 30, 2017 11:54am
Manufacturing/Assembly facility should be established within Pakistan.
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Oct 30, 2017 12:03pm
Pakistan should decline offer Reason Price comes out of each Bus $300,000/=
which is not Worthy to spend on Chinese Tech
Yes should go with European even Turkish will be fine but again should within
Range of International Market
if you asked Honest opinion its should $200,000/= with Best Tech & also use Solar Panel
On top of Bus
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Oct 30, 2017 12:06pm
The imported fossil fuel would also not be used so precious foreign exchange could also be saved.
What about Power required for charging Battery of Buses? Is that not generated by Fossil fuel?
Chinese Buses future will end up as same as Chinese Locomotives.
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Oct 30, 2017 12:07pm
History tells us that Chinese technology is not very reliable.
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Oct 30, 2017 12:07pm
Thank you Iron Brother. Long live friendship.
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Oct 30, 2017 12:10pm
Karachi Authorities should float a tender inviting companies from around the world.
Maybe they can bring cost down.
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Oct 30, 2017 12:14pm
$600 million for 2000 buses...that is $300,000 per bus....dirt cheap :)
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Oct 30, 2017 12:17pm
Before election we will listen these type of news more. Like someone from some country going to invest billions of dollar and then prosperity will come to Pakistan Or the most famous one is huge reserve of ready made diamonds found and now prosperity will come. Keep dreaming !
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Oct 30, 2017 12:22pm
sounds like a scam...........
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Oct 30, 2017 12:34pm
@Munir
That's not how electric buses work. They run 280km on a charge. They don't simply stop if there's a power outage - they can keep moving.
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Oct 30, 2017 12:35pm
Will Sindh government allow Karachi to have these buses or will they ask for their cut as usual?
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Oct 30, 2017 12:37pm
The mayor along with his party will eat this as well. Please don't lend us anything.
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Oct 30, 2017 12:37pm
As a nation we are hapless and helpless , we direly need sincere leadership who can manage and run our country and bulid our infrastructure with the support of chinese borther without any corruption and personal interest.
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Oct 30, 2017 12:38pm
Take it! Take it! Take it! Its a windfall from Heaven. TAKE IT for the sake of Karachi ONLY. Salams
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Oct 30, 2017 12:42pm
Pakistan, please don't say that you can't make a electric bus.
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Oct 30, 2017 01:03pm
Every thing from China. Good leadership .
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Oct 30, 2017 01:08pm
@Zak Only time will tell if china is a brother or Bhai!!
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Oct 30, 2017 01:19pm
Karachi need a metro system with modern trains. Look at Delhi: that city has one. Karachi deserve one too.
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Oct 30, 2017 01:27pm
4000 generators for $ 400 millions
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Oct 30, 2017 01:31pm
3,00,000 rupee for one electric bus, that too when electricity is not available.
Please take it..
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Oct 30, 2017 01:32pm
Watch out. China will give everything and finally will own everything..
They are good but they are good this way, they are capturing every country and getting ready to be the world leader.
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Oct 30, 2017 01:34pm
"The mayor said that all the mega cities around the globe had urban mass transit systems, but leave alone the mass transit system, here in the metropolis unfortunately did not exists a fully functional public transport system, ......"
Shameless people. who ruined the one and only (and a big one) local train system of the country? The Karachi Circular Railways?
His own party, and his own people. And then occupied those lands, encroached those lands.
And now crocodile tears.
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Oct 30, 2017 01:40pm
Sounds good. But would be prudent to check global alternatives for costs, both up-front and life-time, including finance and related required infrastructure (like cost of charging stations) before committing to this.
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Oct 30, 2017 01:48pm
@JAWED, USA Electric because it is available in abundance in Pakistan and cheap too.
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Oct 30, 2017 01:59pm
@shail Main worry is load shedding. Chinese are probably hoping their will be no load shedding. Dual gas electric would have been the better choice.
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Oct 30, 2017 02:02pm
Jakarta uses Buses made by Tata Motor subsidiary company Daiwoo and these use CNG.
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Oct 30, 2017 02:03pm
Condition of Roads in Karachi are incapacitated to bear the new loads on them.
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Oct 30, 2017 02:08pm
Loot. Its going to be story such korean locomotives in pakistan few years back.
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Oct 30, 2017 02:15pm
Win-Win. Thousands of jobs in China, Pakistan will give money to China. Please buy every year.
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Oct 30, 2017 02:41pm
600m USD times 107 to convert it into rupees. then divide this amount by 2,000 (number of buses). that works out to roughly 32 million rupees per bus. 32 million is equal to 3 crore 20 lacs. Obvious fraud?
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Oct 30, 2017 02:46pm
@Farhan Agree with you. The transport mafia will never tolerate their pockets being hurt. Moreover, as you rightly said, the dirty politics of PPP's commission sharks will ensure that it fails as the mayor is initiating it.
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Oct 30, 2017 02:48pm
@Sohaib Yahya A perfect suggestion.
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Oct 30, 2017 02:54pm
Karachi needs a mass transit solution not 600 buses further clogging up the streets.
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Oct 30, 2017 03:15pm
Establish a corporation like KTC, which used to be the king of the roads in terms of service and punctuality.
But please don't let it go down the drain as KTC did.
Those responsible were no one but those who were fed by the very corportaion. They essentially cut the hands feeding them.
Rather then limiting the whole episode within the confines of new buses, also learn the discipline and management skills from Chinese. Its a good opportunity.
These 2000 buses may also help establish traffic discipline in the city of Karachi.
With good intentions and with honesty, it can be the break through we need.
Best of luck.
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Oct 30, 2017 03:40pm
Just name your'e self as satellite state of China like Taiwan all your problems will be solved and ours also just like few parts of China
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Oct 30, 2017 03:43pm
It's a great offer. Either it should be accepted as a joint venture with the Chinese company or should be run by the Chinese company -- but please, never sale the buses to the transporters of Karachi, they have been mercilessly exploiting the commuters.
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Oct 30, 2017 03:43pm
@Zak $300,000 per bus is not alms
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Oct 30, 2017 03:51pm
It is good option to hv electric buses for khi .
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Oct 30, 2017 04:03pm
The number of buses being bought is enough to consider setting up a manufacturing unit that will create not only employment also but also cater to spare requirements. All this will not happen till the Pakistani politicians urge their chinese counterparts to set up local production facilities.
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Oct 30, 2017 04:06pm
You can get this half the price from Tata but who cares
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Oct 30, 2017 04:08pm
$3,00,000 for each bus? In that money pakistan can invest and research new tech and even built factories for manufacturing it. It is going to be deployed in a city where shortage of electricity is immense. Are there any scholars in the country?
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Oct 30, 2017 04:11pm
Will the drivers be imported as well?
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Oct 30, 2017 04:13pm
LOL! we don't have elctricity. who will provide electricity to charge and run those ' electric
busses'. I guess diesel generators will do the Job.
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Oct 30, 2017 04:35pm
Approx cost to each bus is around 2.7 cr in (Pak currency) which seem little higher.Pakistan can go for tender and allotafter evaluating cost and after sale services benefit provided..
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Oct 30, 2017 04:35pm
600 million USD /2000 = 0.3 Million USD per bus
Which is PKR 3.2 Crore for a Bus... Wow
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Oct 30, 2017 04:40pm
Good job mayer sahib.
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Oct 30, 2017 04:55pm
in Karachi everything almost right from garbage collection, stock exchange, transport,road everything from China.where is Pakistani talent, industry.
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Oct 30, 2017 04:55pm
in Karachi everything almost right from garbage collection, stock exchange, transport,road everything from China.where is Pakistani talent, industry.
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Oct 30, 2017 05:00pm
Excellent deal indeed. Its comes quite cheap per bus.
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Oct 30, 2017 05:01pm
@Bsc - Slowly and steadily, China shall bring Pakistan in the league of developed economies, irrespective of the economic cost. For charging of such buses, the Govt should enter into an agreement (may be under CPEC) to put up power generation unit at Karachi also so that such buses get uninterrupted power supply.
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Oct 30, 2017 05:05pm
import busses..but why ?? we have manufacturers. what will happen to our local industry if everything is imported.
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Oct 30, 2017 05:11pm
$300,000 EACH = 31621486.59 pkr by today exchange rate. very good for cpec .
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Oct 30, 2017 05:11pm
Electric vehicles take long time to re-charge. Further hope the Chinese knows that its a Public transport system where earning profit is not the main motive. An they have not disclosed the commercial terms here, so we difficult to say if it will be profitable for us.
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Oct 30, 2017 05:13pm
Now there will be contract for supply of spares and maintenance for Chinese firms!
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Oct 30, 2017 05:26pm
If Sindh government is involved in this project, there is corruption involved in it.
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Oct 30, 2017 05:43pm
@JAWED, USA : Electric buses are more energy efficient compared to the buses / transport running on petrol / diesel or even gas because the conversion of the gas / fuel to electricity is much more efficient in the power plant that in the engine of the vehicle. Moreover the electricity can also come from renewable sources. Generally the electric vehicles are lighter as well. Because of this if a car costs Rs. 5 to 6 to run on CNG, it will cost Rs. 1.5 to 3 to run on electricity. Commercial vehicles, due to their extensive daily use, are the ideal cases for going to electrification and achieving shorter break even times.
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Oct 30, 2017 05:59pm
@dost. Totally agreed, we have become a very dependent society. Why cannot we think and do things ourselves, better to make mistakes and learn and do it better next time than to import and depend on others. Pakistan has to learn to do everything with their own talent, their own hands, otherwise simply renounce our independence and become part of China, or America, or ........ Learn to stand on your own two feet first, is the only message this nation needs to follow.
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Oct 30, 2017 06:25pm
It should not be a priority project when Pakistan is already hit by trade deficit severely. Local industries should not be in dying condition when we have such plans. Keep balance of economics and future projects.
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Oct 30, 2017 07:24pm
If they are serious in their offers, ask them to establish the plant for manufacturing these buses in Karachi and start exporting the on going production beyond what the city requires. Also the production costs per unit justifying their phenomenal figures for the venture.
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Oct 30, 2017 08:15pm
The idea is good. Soon Pakistan will be awash with excess electricity (a lot from Thar coal) and it is also high time to consider modernization and pollution control.
However, 300K USD seems to be on a higher side. More information should be provided about what is included in this figure and what are the financial terms. A comparative statement of similar offers from other renowned manufacturers will let us know if this is the best offer on the table.
The elephant in the room will be who will run the bus service? Government - local, provincial or national seem unable to manage due to high corruption, If we can decide upon it and bring an honest management - which is a tall order - then the best offer will surely work.
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Oct 30, 2017 09:35pm
let good news remains good
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Oct 31, 2017 05:46am
First, after 10 buses , the rest of the buses either should be licensed produced meaning you create jobs or Hino Pakistan should be asked to produce a locally version of buses that other cities can also asked to order , hence again you create jobs.
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