CDWP approves 16 uplift projects worth over Rs259 billion

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ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved 16 development projects worth of Rs259.68 billion.

The CDWP approved the projects at a meeting chaired by Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Out of these, nine projects worth Rs27.40 billion have been approved by the CDWP forum which also recommended seven projects worth Rs232.28 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

Five education and training sector projects were presented in the meeting, including “Establishment of Daanish School in Gilgit-Baltistan (Kros Thang Mouza Sarfaranga – Shigar)” valued at Rs2,962.813 million, “Establishment of Daanish School in Gilgit-Baltistan (Sultanabad Jutal)” costing Rs3,004.133 million, “Establishment of Daanish School in Azad Jammu Kashmir (Bhimber)” Rs2,999.045 million and “Construction of Cadet College Kharan (2nd Revised)” costing Rs2.945 million. After detailed discussions, these projects were approved by CDWP.

A project related to higher education presented in the meeting “Pak-USAID merit and need based scholarships program (Phase-II)” worth Rs2954.808 million was also approved.

A project related to mass media, “Establishment of Arshad Nadeem/Shehbaz Sharif High Performance Sports Academy at Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad” worth Rs2678.545 million was approved by the CDWP. The project aims to establish a state-of-the-art High Performance Sports Academy at the Pakistan Sports Complex (PSC) in Islamabad, as part of the Long-Term Athlete Development Program (LTDAP). The academy will provide top-tier training facilities for 50 elite athletes across ten sports disciplines, including athletics, boxing, judo, squash, taekwondo, shooting, weightlifting, wrestling, and table tennis. These athletes will also have the opportunity to continue their academic studies.

Another two projects in the Physical Planning & Housing sector were presented, including “Expo Centre Quetta (Revised)” valued at Rs. 4,829.764 million and “Infrastructure Development of Islamabad Techno Polis” valued at Rs. 1,985.000 million. Both projects were approved by the (CDWP) forum.

A project related to Power sector presented in the meeting namely “220 kV Transmission System Network Reinforcement in Islamabad and Burhan Area” worth Rs. 11315.550 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. The project revised is proposed to be financed through JICA & NTDC own resources. The project aims to enhance the capacity of the NTDC transmission system by reinforcing and adding 220 kV transmission lines in the Islamabad and Burhan areas. This will help eliminate transmission constraints, ensuring a reliable power supply to meet the growing demand of IESCO and facilitating the dispersal of upcoming generation from Tarbela 5th Extension. The scope includes the replacement of the existing 220 kV Tarbela-Burhan D/C transmission line with a new line using twin bundled Rail conductor over 35.1 km, as well as replacing the 220 kV Tarbela-Burhan D/C line with a Low Loss ACSR conductor for 35 km. Additionally, the 220 kV Burhan-ISPR D/C transmission line will be replaced with a new twin bundled Rail conductor over 27.5 km.

Three projects related to Transport & Communications sector presented in the meeting namely “Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Programme (SFERP-I)” worth Rs. 88404 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. The revised project is being financed through a combination of funding sources. The Government of Sindh will contribute 10% of the financing through its Annual Development Program (ADP), while the World Bank is expected to provide 90% of the funding, which may include grants & loans under likely terms. The project aims to restore critical infrastructure and improve resilience in various districts of Sindh Province, focusing on road restoration, water supply rehabilitation, and strengthening food security and sustainable livelihoods. It will enhance municipal and rural infrastructure through the construction, extension, and improvement of key facilities. The project will adopt a framework approach to finalize subprojects based on specific selection criteria. Key components include the restoration of roads and water supply schemes, the establishment of adequate water treatment systems, and livelihoods restoration. Additionally, the project will support institutional strengthening for resilience, provide technical assistance, expand the Sindh Emergency Rescue Service, and enhance flood preparedness.

Second project of T&C was presented namely “Dualization of Rawalpindi-Kahuta Road (28.4 km) Including 4 Lane Bridge Over Sihala Railway Pass, Sihala Bypass & Kahuta Bypass and Land Acquisition, Affected Properties Compensation and Relocation of Utilities for Dualization of Rawalpindi-Kahuta Road (28.4 km) Including 4 lane Bridge Over Sihala Railway Pass, Sihala Bypass & Kahuta Bypass (length: 28.4 KMS)” worth Rs. 23545.021 million referred to ECNEC for approval. The revised project will dualize, rehabilitate, and improve 28.4 km road from Sihala to Kahuta, expanding it from a 6-8-meter road into a 4-lane dual carriageway. It includes bypasses at Sihala, Are Syedan, and Kahuta, along with necessary infrastructure like culverts, retaining walls, underpasses, new jersey barriers, and road furniture. The Rawalpindi-Kahuta road, managed by the Punjab Highway Department, is a key route connecting Rawalpindi to Azad Jammu & Kashmir and is used heavily by strategic and defense organizations. The road faces challenges such as traffic congestion at the Sihala railway crossing, heavy oil cargo, and steep slopes near Kahuta.

The third project of T&C was presented namely “Operationalization of Green Line BRTS and Installation of Integrated Intelligent Transport System Equipment” worth Rs. 13502.250 million referred to ECNEC for approval. the project will be finance through PSDP. The amended revised PC-I of the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project outlines the procurement of two major components: buses and the Integrated Intelligent Transport System (IITS) to fully operationalize the service. The 21-kilometer infrastructure from Surjani to Numaish in Karachi is already in place. The project includes acquisition of 80 articulated diesel hybrid air-conditioned buses, each with a capacity of 150+ passengers, carrying up to 300,000 passengers per day with a service life of 10 years. Additionally, IITS equipment will be procured including an Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), Fleet Management System, Central Operation Command and Control Center, Real-Time Passenger Information System, Communication Network, and other key components. The project also covers infrastructure maintenance, management of the OCC, bus depots, and stations for three years by SIDCL. 

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