Three-year deadline set for Balochistan’s Rs400bn road projects

November 25, 2024 (MLN): Pushing forward the infrastructure development of Balochistan, Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives has directed that the road infrastructure projects in the province, valued at over Rs400 billion, be completed within three years.

Ahsan Iqbal directed this while chairing a review meeting to assess the progress of Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) projects for 2024-25.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Planning provided a detailed briefing on the allocation, releases, and expenditure of funds for PSDP projects across the country.

He emphasized the government is commitment to prioritizing development initiatives in Balochistan.

These Balochistan projects include the three projects of N-25 dualization of the Khuzdar-Kuchlak section of National Highway, the dualization and rehabilitation of the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman road from Karachi- Karoro & Wadh- Khuzdar, and the dualization of Kararo- Wadh Sectionand Kuchlak-Chaman Section at a total cost of Rs224bn.

Other projects of M-8 include the construction of the Hoshab-Awaran-Khuzdar Section-II and Hoshab-Awaran-Kiwzer Package-I, Construction of the Gwadar-Ratodero road project and construction of Wangu Hills Tunnel at a total cost of Rs96bn.

Two more Balochistan projects the dualization & Improvement of existing N-50 from Yarik-Sagu-Zhob Bypass Rs76bn, and Rehabilitation & Upgradation of long Awaran-JhaliJao Road worth Rs7bn Projects.

The Minister directed the Planning Ministry to ensure the timely utilization of funds by other ministries under the development budget.

He also stressed the importance of coordinating with Ministries regarding their financial requirements for the next quarter, particularly for projects funded by external assistance, to avoid any delays in fund disbursement.

Highlighting the importance of prioritizing projects nearing completion, Ahsan Iqbal directed that projects with 80% completion status be expedited with the necessary funding.

Externally funded projects should also be completed promptly to create place for new projects in the next PSDP.

He further stated that the upcoming PSDP for the next fiscal year will be align with the "5Es" framework and the objectives of the five-year development plan.

Projects that meet these objectives will be given priority. The Minister emphasized that PSDP projects are not only have importance for national development but also essential for public welfare.

He urged all stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of these projects so that the benefits can to the reach the public without further delay.

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