The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved 15 development projects with a total worth of Rs 422.704 billion. Among these, the Khawazakhela-Besham Expressway, valued at Rs 137.711 billion, is a key project. The meeting, chaired by the Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, saw approval for nine projects totaling Rs 17.95 billion. Additionally, nine projects worth Rs 404.754 billion were recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further consideration.
The approved projects span various sectors, including Health, Agriculture, Environment, Governance, Water Resources, Transport, Communication, and Science and Technology. Among the notable projects referred to ECNEC for further review:
1. Khawazakhela-Besham Expressway (Rs 137.711 billion): This project, financed by the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), includes the construction of a 48-km expressway with bridges, tunnels, retaining walls, drainage systems, toll plazas, and roadside facilities to enhance regional connectivity and infrastructure.
2. Procurement of Wagons and Coaches for Pakistan Railways (Rs 70.968 billion): Aimed at modernizing Pakistan Railways, this project involves the procurement of 820 high-capacity bogie wagons and 230 passenger coaches to improve freight and passenger services.
3. Sindh Coastal Resilience Project (SCRP) (Rs 45.792 billion): Financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), this project focuses on building climate resilience and improving livelihoods in the coastal districts of Sindh, including Badin, Sujawal, and Thatta.
4. Rawalpindi Ring Road (Rs 32.997 billion): This project involves constructing a 38.3-km carriageway with interchanges, bridges, flyovers, and toll plazas to enhance connectivity between major roads. It is designed according to AASHTO highway standards.
5. Economic Transformation Initiative for Gilgit-Baltistan (Rs 26.764 billion): Aimed at improving incomes and reducing poverty in rural Gilgit-Baltistan, this initiative will focus on agricultural development, rural infrastructure, and the value chain for products like apricots and potatoes.
6. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Mobilization Program (Rs 4.714 billion): This technical assistance project will help improve revenue mobilization and public resource management in the province.
Additional approved projects include:
• Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre (Rs 3.11 billion)
• Social Sector Accelerator Program (Rs 7.5 billion): Aimed at providing 30,000 paid internships for fresh graduates in health, education, and other sectors.
• Multan-Vehari Road Rehabilitation (Rs 12.887 billion): Referring to ECNEC for further review.
• Mangi Dam and Water Conveyance System (Rs 18.995 billion): A major project to build a dam and convey water to Quetta City, addressing regional water scarcity.
Other projects related to infrastructure and IT, including a new air traffic control tower at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport and IT strengthening initiatives for the Ministry of Planning, have also been approved. — ERMD
