By Qudsia Bano

Five major road projects worth more than Rs88 billion have been recommended for approval to improve connectivity across Balochistan, including the second phase of the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway and road links connecting remote districts with major transport corridors.

According to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives' Monthly Development Update – August 2026, available with Wealth Pakistan, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) recommended five transport and communication projects with a combined cost of Rs88.319 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) during July.

The largest among them is the revised Gwadar Eastbay Expressway Phase-II, costing Rs29.952 billion. Sponsored by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the project was recommended to ECNEC for consideration.

Another major scheme is the 103-kilometre road from Dargai Shabozai to Taunsa, with a revised cost of Rs22.342 billion. Sponsored by the Government of Balochistan, the project was also recommended to ECNEC.

The portfolio includes the 77-kilometre Buleda-Proom road from Gilli to Kharan, carrying a revised cost of Rs9.011billion, and the 42-kilometre Proom-Chedgai road, estimated at Rs11.05 billion. Both projects were recommended to ECNEC.

The fifth project recommended to ECNEC is the Dalbandin-Chaghi road, with a revised cost of Rs9.877 billion. Together, the five schemes account for the Rs88.319 billion road portfolio referred for higher-level approval during the month.

In addition to these projects, the CDWP approved the revised Ziarat Mor-Kach-Harnai-Sanjavi road project at a cost of Rs1.571 billion, adding another road intervention aimed at improving connectivity within Balochistan.

Another proposed scheme — construction of the 118-kilometre Proom-Jalgai road — was deferred. Its estimated cost stands at Rs21.152 billion, according to the project-wise decisions recorded in the document.

The road schemes cover different parts of the province and are intended to improve transport links in areas where long distances and limited road infrastructure remain major constraints on mobility and economic activity.

The Planning Ministry identifies improved road infrastructure in Balochistan and enhanced regional connectivity through the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway Phase-II among the key objectives of the transport projects considered during July.

Improved road connectivity can provide remote communities with better access to markets and public services while facilitating the movement of goods between production centres, border areas, urban markets and ports.

The inclusion of Gwadar Eastbay Expressway Phase-II gives the portfolio an additional trade and logistics dimension, while the other road schemes focus on strengthening internal connectivity across different parts of Balochistan.

The five projects worth Rs88.319 billion have not yet received final approval. Following the CDWP's recommendations, they will require consideration by ECNEC before proceeding under their respective development arrangements.

Credit: INP-WealthPk