Sindh govt appoints consortium for feasibility study of Keti Bandar project

KARACHI: The government of Sindh has appointed an international consortium to carry out the feasibility study of Keti Bandar Project. 

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah presiding over a meeting related to the Keti Bandar project on Saturday said the project has been included in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is a great accomplishment for Sindh.

The study will cost over 326 million rupees and will be completed within ten months. This will also include the development of a jetty for transportation and provision of goods, laying of a railway line and a power plant.

CM Sindh said the Keti Bandar project was the vision of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto which could not be materialised over various political reasons. However, he vowed the incumbent Sindh government will bring the mega project to reality.

Seretary Energy Agha Wasif informed that Ms. Bridge Factor consortium has been appointed to conduct the feasibility study for the project. This includes laying 450km railway line from Thar coalfield project to Keti Bandar, and a 320MW power plant which can be expanded to 10,000MW in the long-term.

The project will also include the expansion and development of the jetty for the transportation and provision of goods required for the railway line and power plant. A strategic environmental assessment will also be part of the feasibility study.

The secretary said that all aspects of development have been incorporated in the feasibility study. The consultants will also develop a business plan and will also provide financial assistance.

Khurshid Jamali Chairman Board of Directors at Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company Limited emphasised on the need to develop the master plan for the mega project which includes the development of a special economic zone and further expansion of the area.

Secretary Planning and Development Muhammad Waseem said the Keti Bandar project is a vital part of the development agenda of the Sindh government, and will have an enormous effect on the energy sector. He said the Sindh Energy Department is pursuing the development project vigorously.