Sindh Govt Launches New Highway & Marine Rescue Services – Full Routes, Features & Emergency Response Details

Sindh has taken a major step toward improving emergency response and public safety with the launch of 110 new highway ambulances, a dedicated marine rescue unit at Keenjhar Lake, and an all-new Bike Rescue Service. This expansion is part of the province’s broader vision to modernize disaster management systems and ensure rapid rescue accessibility across both land and water routes.

The programme has been launched in collaboration with the Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services (SIEHS) and aims to strengthen emergency preparedness in remote, urban, and coastal areas.

With rising road accidents, growing tourist activity at lakes, and increased population density in cities, Sindh’s new rescue services come at a crucial time for public safety.

Overview of Sindh’s New Rescue Expansion Programme

The rescue expansion includes:

• 110 new highway ambulances deployed to high-risk routes
• Marine Rescue Unit established at Keenjhar Lake
• Bike Rescue Service for congested and narrow pathways
• Plans to expand marine rescue along Pakistan’s entire Sindh coastline
• Enhanced emergency response in both rural and urban regions

This initiative marks one of the largest emergency response upgrades in Sindh’s recent history.

Why Sindh Needed an Expanded Highway Rescue System

Sindh’s highways—spanning long rural stretches with limited medical access—record frequent accidents, often resulting in delayed medical help. The new ambulances aim to fix this gap.

Key issues the new system addresses:

• Long distances between medical facilities
• Slow response time in remote districts
• High accident rates in interior Sindh
• Difficulty reaching victims quickly on narrow or busy roads

With 110 brand-new ambulances, the province will now have faster medical response capability.

Ambulance Deployment on Critical Routes

SIEHS CEO Brigadier (Rtd) Tariq Lakheir confirmed that certain high-risk routes have been prioritized.

Notable Route Deployment:

• 8 ambulances will operate on the Thatta to Mithi route
• This stretch is known for:
  • High frequency of road accidents
  • Limited nearby hospitals
  • Historically slow emergency response

The upgraded fleet aims to reduce fatalities by ensuring immediate on-site medical assistance.

Features of the New Highway Ambulances

Each ambulance is equipped with:

• Advanced first-aid and trauma care equipment
• Cardiac life support systems
• Oxygen supply
• Communication tools for coordination with emergency centers
• Trained first responders

This ensures better survival outcomes for accident victims.

Launch of Marine Rescue Unit at Keenjhar Lake

Sindh has introduced a fully equipped Marine Rescue Unit to address increasing drowning incidents at Keenjhar Lake—one of Pakistan’s busiest recreational spots.

Marine Rescue Team Setup:

• A team of 10 professionally trained divers
• Lifesaving gear including:
  • Rescue boats
  • Floatation devices
  • Search-and-recovery equipment
  • Emergency medical kits

This unit will significantly reduce emergencies related to boating, swimming, and tourism activities.

Future Expansion Across the Sindh Coastline

Officials confirmed that the marine rescue model will soon expand to:

• Karachi
• Keti Bandar
• Shah Bandar
• Badin
• Additional coastline areas

This will help protect communities living along the sea and canals, where drowning cases and water-related hazards are common.

Introduction of the New Bike Rescue Service

Sindh’s new Bike Rescue Service is built to provide fast emergency access in:

• Narrow village routes
• Crowded city streets
• Traffic-jammed markets
• Urban slums
• Areas unreachable by large vehicles

Rescue bikes offer quick medical response, allowing paramedics to stabilize patients before ambulances arrive.

Why Bike Rescue Services Are Important

• Ambulances often struggle with congested roads
• Bikes can reach victims in minutes
• They carry essential first-aid equipment
• They improve survival rates in cardiac, stroke, and trauma emergencies

This service reflects modern emergency systems used worldwide.

Provincial Leadership Praises the Programme

Sindh’s Provincial Minister Riaz Shah Shirazi called the initiative a “transformative step for disaster management in Sindh.”

He emphasized that families living near:

• Canals
• Lakes
• Fishery areas
• Coastal regions

…now have better emergency protection and faster rescue access.

Officials Attending the Launch

The launch event was attended by several key Sindh officials:

• Brig. (Rtd) Tariq Lakheir – CEO SIEHS
• Minister Riaz Shah Shirazi
• MPA Qasim Soomro
• Director Operations Lutuf Mangrio
• Thatta Deputy Commissioner Munawar Abbas Soomro
• 1122 Thatta Incharge Wazir Ali Zour

Their collaboration highlights a unified effort to strengthen rescue infrastructure across Sindh.

Read Also: Breaking News: Punjab Announces Smart Syllabus for 9th Class Students 2025

How These Services Improve Emergency Response in Sindh

1. Faster medical access

Reduced response time will save lives during road accidents, heart attacks, and trauma cases.

2. Water rescue readiness

Drowning incidents—especially at Keenjhar Lake—can now be addressed immediately.

3. Coverage in rural areas

Remote villages often lacked emergency services. The new ambulances and bike units close this gap.

4. Improved disaster management

Flood-prone districts like Badin and Thatta will benefit from trained rescue teams and marine units.

5. Tourism safety boost

Keenjhar Lake attracts thousands of visitors. A dedicated marine rescue team ensures safer recreational activities.

Impact on Public Safety and Health Systems

The rescue expansion aligns with Sindh’s goals to upgrade province-wide emergency infrastructure.

Expected long-term benefits:

• Lower fatality rates on highways
• Better emergency response in coastal districts
• Enhanced disaster resilience
• Improved healthcare delivery
• Stronger coordination between rescue agencies

The combination of road, water, and bike rescue units marks a holistic emergency system—similar to global standards.

Read Also: Breaking News: NADRA Issues Urgent Advisory on CNIC Collection to Avoid Delays and Extra Fees

Conclusion – A Major Step Toward a Safer Sindh

Sindh’s new highway ambulances, marine rescue unit, and Bike Rescue Service represent a major advancement in public safety.

By focusing on remote areas, accident-prone highways, lakes, and coastal fronts, the government is ensuring that life-saving help is now closer, faster, and more reliable than ever before.

This rescue expansion program will not only save countless lives but also strengthen Sindh’s disaster management capabilities for years to come.

FAQs – Sindh Highway, Marine & Bike Rescue Services