Gwadar’s deep-sea port ready for supplementary expansion in January 2019

BEIJING: The Gwadar deep-sea port development will further speed up as its expansion plan is ready to initiate from January 2019, according to the statement of director general, Planning and Development, Gwadar Port Authority, Munir Ahmed Jan.

He informed that the expansion plan includes five new berths, which will be further added to the existing three berths for managing gigantic ships.

Recently, Munir also visited the Chinese capital to attend the CPEC Media Forum, and stated that the first stage of the port, which contributes as a vital constituent of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has already been completed.

He added, ” Now, we have come into the second phase, which will guarantee 16 meters depth, in order to assist in the movements of huge ships without any issues. Currently, the port has three 14-meter deep berths to facilitate ships and is the deepest port in Pakistan. In future, it is planned that the depth of the port would be augmented to 20 meters, making it the deepest port in the whole region.”

The data revealed that $48 million were invested by five Chinese and three Pakistani companies in the starting of the first phase of the project.

Munir also explained regarding Eastern Bay Express, as the work has already started in October 2018, and is expected to be concluded in 30 months.

He added, “It will be an express admission track linking the Gwadar Port to the Coastal Highway.”

The Gwadar Port development will lead to generation of various employment opportunities for locals, once issues related to power and water are resolved.

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It is also discussed that the work on Pakistan- China Vocational and Technical Institution would begin soon, so as to congregate the requirement of the skilled workers for the port & free zone.

The land has already been obtained for this task, whereas the design and feasibility study is also on the verge of completion.

Munir Jan also informed, Gwadar has observed numerous activities recently, as number of local and foreign visitors come to stay here.

Munir also added, “The national flag carrier, PIA is operating a daily flight and hotels have 100 percent room occupancy and are running a good business.”

Munir also highlighted about the new Gwadar airport construction, as it will be completed with the Chinese grant. The early work of design & feasibility study has already been settled and the groundbreaking was likely to be performed in January 2019.

He stated, Gwadar airport has the capacity to welcome one of the largest planes, A-380. The airport is expected to be finished in 36 months.