Development work on the CPEC Western Route to proceed as government approves Kuchlak-Zhob section

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) Thursday cleared the Quetta-Zhob section of Western Route of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and recommended for approval to Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC). The CDWP discussed and recommended to ECNEC for approval of land acquisition of Kuchlac-Zhob section of N-50 worth Rs 11,342 million and construction and dualization of road, Kuchlaq-Zhob Section of N-50 worth Rs 67,638.46 million presented by Ministry of Communication.

The meeting of the Committee was held here under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar. The forum constituted a committee comprising stakeholders to confirm and rationalize the cost and scope of 305 kilometer road project in two separate parts. The Minister said that the previous government did not focus on developing Western Route adding that the present government attached priority to construction of Western Route and improving socio-economic condition of neglected areas.

The Minister said that completion of project would contribute to smooth and efficient movement of goods and traffic in relatively shorter time. Overall CDWP accorded approval of two projects worth Rs 913 million and recommended three projects costing Rs 96 billion to ECNEC. However, concept clearance was also granted for two environment related projects for negotiations with the donors.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary Planning Zafar Hasan, members and senior officials from federal and provincial governments. The projects presented for approval related to governance, physical planning, housing and transport, and communication. In energy sector, Power Division presented project ‘Interconnection of Isolated Gwadar and Makran Area with National Grid System of Pakistan’ worth Rs. 17421.44 million which was referred to ECNEC. Makhdum Khusro said that this is an important project for Gwadar development connecting southern remote region with the national grid. He highlighted that availability of electricity is one of the major hindrances in development of Gwadar.

The project is expected to be completed through QESCO in three years. In governance sector, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination presented ‘Strengthening of Technical Capacity of Ministry of NHSRC’ worth Rs 418.717 million which was approved by CDWP. In Physical Planning and Housing sector, Ministry of Interior presented ‘Construction of Accommodation for HQ GB Scouts and 114 Wing at Chilas’ worth Rs 493.869 million was approved by CDWP which will provide security services for Diamer Bhasha dam project.