Islamabad: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved various development projects, worth PKR 246 billion, to strengthen national infrastructure, a news source reported on September 8.
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A CDWP meeting was held, which was chaired by the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan. During the meeting, a new 105-kilometre-long single-line railway track, connecting the Thar Coal Mines to New Chhor Station, was approved. Another project that was given nod was the construction of an 18-kilometre-long double-line track, featuring 4.2-kilometre-long loop lines from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim.
In the recent session, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) was advised to endorse the PKR 55.97 billion. Thar Coal Rail Connectivity project, which encompasses the integration of Thar Coal mines with the existing railway network, including last-mile connectivity to Port Qasim. The Ministry of Railways is the lead agency overseeing the project, which aligns with the sectoral objectives of Vision 2025. It aims to provide bulk transportation facilities that meet the demands of our growing economy.
Furthermore, the CDWP has referred the revised plan for the construction of the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) to ECNEC for final approval, with an estimated cost of PKR 60.208 billion. The 3rd Revised Project PC-1 envisions the construction of NGIA and its associated facilities on land measuring 4,300 acres, which has already been acquired.
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Additionally, the CDWP has granted approval for a PKR 6.121 billion project aimed at improving and widening the Spera Ragha Road from Khanozai Cross to Loralai Killa Saifullah. Another project that was approved is the Special Repair of 600 Passenger Coaches and 1,200 bogie wagons, with an estimated cost of PKR 3.95 billion.