Nestled in magical valleys and near the feet of giant mountains of Balochistan, the historic city and the capital of Balochistan, Quetta, is gearing up to become the next development frontier in Pakistan. The city’s history can be traced back to more than a century; however, 2019 saw some dramatic changes to the many developments in Quetta. A tell-tale sign of the modern changes to come includes the introduction of the first ultra-modern real estate project: DHA Quetta. Being Pakistan’s #1 name in construction & development, we have taken this opportunity to compile a list of the on-going projects and details of some developments in Quetta.
Overview of the On-going Developments in Quetta
Previously known as Kwatah and Shalkot, Quetta is known for its geological wonders and wide-spread mountainous range. So, the Government of Balochistan has initiated the below-mentioned projects to showcase the glory of the city, nationally and internationally, to attract potential business:
- First IT Park in Quetta
- Traffic Management System
- Quetta’s Green Bus Service
- Quetta Safe City Project
- Low-Cost Housing Project
First IT Park in Quetta
Given the evolving landscape of the world, Information Technology is, hands-down, the most crucial factor when it comes to creating jobs, increasing tourism, and boosting the economy of any megalopolis. IT also plays a vital role in elevating the living standards of the citizens of a city. Moreover, having an IT park in a city is a sign of a city’s progress and the government’s willingness to support and sponsor the budding talent and the many innovations being cooked by the youth. Plus, the startup culture rampant across the world is a key driver behind attracting foreign investment, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, and doubling economic growth.
Comprehending the need for such developments, the Government of Balochistan has almost completed the planning for the first IT Park in Quetta. The park will usher in a new era of tech advancements by backing and establishing various scientific and digital endeavours. The primary focus of this project will be on cultivating success and inviting national and international investors to take a stroll in the park.
The provincial government has also allocated a budget of PKR 200 million to the Public Sector Development Programme to establish Quetta Data Centre. The aim behind the development of the data centre is to digitalise all the records and functions of the city and making them seamlessly accessible via an android application. This initiative will also help the Federal Government’s initiative of protecting the environment by allowing governmental departments and semi-private entities to go completely paperless.
Additionally, on this journey to excellence, the Government of Balochistan is taking the “Education First” initiative to new heights of success by adopting more than one strategy. The authorities have specially assigned a separate budget bracket for using technology to reach approximately 100 schools in far-flung and secluded areas of the province, where physical reach was almost impossible. This educational enterprise will be controlled remotely and facilitated with modern and high-tech distance/online learning programmes.
Traffic Management System
The provincial government of Balochistan has taken a leaf out of Punjab Government’s book by introducing a traffic management system in Quetta to curb traffic violations and accidents. The system in Quetta appears to be built on the same principles governing the traffic management system in Lahore. In this regard, the DIG Traffic had previously briefed the Balochistan High Court (BHC) about the masterplan for restoring the glory of the city, which included an efficient scheme for addressing the prevailing traffic issues of the city.
On the same occasion, the DIG also revealed that the construction of slip roads such as Saleem Complex Junction, Patel Road, and Kawari Road are also underway to regulate vehicular movements in the city.
In addition, the DIG also elaborated on the traffic management system by defining the outline of the project. The DIG said that the system also included the construction of parking plazas to address the shortage of parking spaces in the city.
Quetta’s Green Bus Service
The availability of state-controlled mass transit has been one of the most ignored aspects of traffic management planning in the city. Fortunately, the planning for decent public transport facilities is also on its way. So, in order to sustain the traffic management system in Quetta, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Jam Kamal Khan, recently approved a preliminary project for a local Green Bus Service.
Mr. Kamal has already instructed the Revenue Department of Balochistan to issue funds for the said project, while the Minister of Transport, Parliamentary Secretary, Additional Secretary, Planning & Development and some other important officials also nodded to the decision and said that local transporters of the city will be integrated into the Green Bus Services.
The details of this service were revealed during a conference, where the attendees received a brief overview of the project. The details revealed that a total of 10 green buses will start shuttling across Sariab Road, Joint Road, and Airport Road during the first phase. The buses will be fully equipped with cutting-edge security systems, including cameras and GPS trackers. The project will then be implemented in other parts of the province, given its rate of adoption and success.
Quetta Safe City Project
Similar to how urbanisation has affected the rest of Pakistan, Quetta, too, has also been under a lot of pressure to provide adequate accommodation to people coming from the nearby towns and villages for earning a decent lifestyle in the city. The increased migration makes it difficult for the local authorities to keep a comprehensive check on the law and order situation.
While violations of the law and petty crimes are a nuisance for citizens, these incidents also pose hurdles for the tourism industry, which impacts the overall economic development of Quetta. So, as a part of progressing, embracing modernisation, and controlling violations of the law, the Government of Balochistan has announced the “Quetta Safe City Project”.
The provincial government has already begun the installation of CCTV cameras on the Airport Road as a part of the Quetta Smart City Project, and it is expected that the project will be completed by January 2020. On this occasion, Secretary Science & Technology Mehboob Ahmed Shahwani shared a piece of sensitive information and said, “The purpose of this initiative is to maintain law and order in the city. Its control room will be established in the office of DIG Quetta Police.” While DIG Quetta Razzaq Cheema also indicated that this initiative will be soon be followed by the Smart City Project.
Real Estate Development Planning In Quetta
The importance of real estate in the economy is not unknown to anyone since it contributes to balancing the finances of a state while boosting the average income and creating jobs for people. Real estate is not just about someone owning a property, or someone wanting to own a property – growth in the real estate sector solidifies the economy by empowering people belonging to different walks of life such as sales, construction, design, and development.
Now it seems that the Government of Balochistan needs not to be educated on the many benefits of investing in real estate development planning in Quetta. One of the examples in this regard is DHA Quetta – the future of smart housing projects. According to recent news, the authorities have already initiated the bid and have started to invite investors to book plots. The project not only comprises land for residential & commercial use but land for farmhouse can also be acquired in DHA Quetta. Meanwhile, the applicants will have to wait till the last week of December for the results of the ballot. The good news for Quetta’s property market doesn’t end at DHA, in fact, the PM Khan has something special planned for Quetta.
As a part of the Naya Pakistan Housing Project, PM Imran Khan has announced to construct 5 million low-cost houses in Quetta. Although the project was formally launched on April 21, and the location has been identified, there isn’t any specific information or clues available for the exact site.
Looking at the depth of these projects, we can rightfully say that Quetta is going to carve a unique place for itself in the war of megacities. Share your views and ideas on the subject with us at blog@zameen.com. Subscribe to Zameen Blog to know more about Pakistan’s top cities and game-changing projects in the country.
