ECNEC approves revised cost of Karachi's Green Line BRTS

ISLAMABAD: Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Wednesday approved the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit System in Karachi.

The meeting chaired by Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also considered and approved proposals in the areas of transport and communication, energy and water sector.

The mega project will be constructed from KESC Power House roundabout (Abdullah Chowk) in Surjani to the central business district at a revised total cost of Rs. 24,604.060 million.

The upward revision in cost is due to increase of length of corridor from 17.80 km to 27.45 km, increase in number of stations from 22 to 35, and increased length of elevated portion from 3.45 km to 9.4 km.

The project would be of 27.45 km long (18.05 km at grade and 9.40 km elevated), two lanes each at 3.5m wide, and dedicated signal free Bus Rapid Transit System. The project would benefit 400,000 passengers every day in Karachi.

Extension of Islamabad metro bus to new airport approved

ECNEC also approved the project for construction of infrastructure and allied works for Metro Bus Services from Peshawar Mror to new Islamabad airport at a total cost of Rs. 16,427.880 million.

The project would be 25.6 Km long with dedicated  two lanes signal free corridor with normal sections to connect the metro bus station at Peshawar Morr to the new airport.

Uplift and construction of roads, highways

The committee approved land acquisition for four lanes 138-km long Faisalabad Abdul Hakeem Motorway M-4 was approved at cost of Rs. 4,220.872 million.

The improvement and construction of 71.05km Jalkhad-Chilas Road at revised cost of Rs. 7,605.205 million, 210km Yarik-Sagu-Zhob including Zhob Bypass in Balochistan at cost of Rs. 76,486.231 million, and 136.4km damaged Thakot- Raikot highway at cost of Rs. 8,341.136 million was also approved.

Further, the construction of 106km two lane highway from Basima to Khuzdar including infrastructure and allied facilities at a cost of Rs. 19,188.435 million was approved. ECNEC also approved 128km Sarai Gambila to Kohat section of Indus Highway at a cost of Rs. 30,130 million.

Thar Power Plant approved

ECNEC approved proposal of Ministry of Water & Power construction of 500 kV substation in Chakwal at a revised cost of Rs. 6,709.66 million.

The committee also approved proposal for the seventh secondary transmission line and grid stations covering six districts of Punjab including Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin at a total cost of Rs. 7,528.06 million.

The proposal to compensate affectees of Mirani Dam was approved at a cost of Rs. 3,500 million which will be borne equally by the federal government and government of Balochistan.

The preliminary design study of upgrade and rehabilitation new dry port and cargo handling facility at Havelian, district Haripur was approved at a cost of Rs. 10,641.634 million.