By Ijaz Kakakhel

Several key infrastructure schemes being executed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor are progressing across Balochistan, with authorities targeting completion of multiple strategic road projects between 2026 and 2028.

According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, when completed, the road projects would help improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade and strengthen transport linkages between Gwadar, Quetta, Zhob and other districts.

Among the major ongoing projects is the Yarik-Sagu-Zhob, including the Zhob Bypass (N-50) project, covering an 11.7-kilometre bypass section. The project carries a PC-I cost of Rs76.486 billion, including Rs7.595 billion allocated for the Zhob Bypass. The contract has already been awarded, and the contractor has been mobilised at the site. The project is expected to be completed by September 2027.

The Basima-Khuzdar (N-30) Road project spanning 106 kilometres has already been completed for Rs19.188 billion. The project began in October 2019.

Another important project, the Awaran-Naal (M-8) section stretching over 168 kilometres, started in February 2024 and has achieved 51 per cent progress so far. The project, costing Rs32.244 billion, is scheduled for completion by June 2027.

Similarly, the 146-kilometre Hoshab-Awaran (M-8) Road project has achieved 64 per cent progress. Initiated in April 2021 with a total cost of Rs25.835 billion, the project is also expected to be completed in June 2027.

The Khuzdar-Kuchlak Road (N-25), one of the largest schemes under implementation, extends over 330 kilometres and carries a PC-I cost of Rs98.904 billion. Construction work on the project began in May 2022 and has achieved 44 per cent progress. Authorities expect the project to be completed by October 2027.

Work is also underway on the Karachi-Kararo and Wadh-Khuzdar (N-25) project spanning 273 kilometres. The Rs183.421 billion scheme commenced in November 2025 and has achieved four per cent progress so far, with completion targeted for October 2027.

Likewise, the Kararo-Wadh and Kuchlak-Chaman (N-25) project covering 187 kilometres started in November 2025. The project costs Rs132.751 billion and has achieved three per cent work progress. Completion is also expected by October 2027.

Meanwhile, the 103-kilometre Nokundi-Mashkel Road project has recorded 80 per cent progress since work started in July 2021. The Rs7.708 billion project is expected to be completed by September 2026.

The Quetta Western Bypass Road Project, spanning 22.7 kilometres, has also achieved 80 per cent progress. Started in August 2021 at a cost of Rs6.890 billion, the project is likely to be completed by June 2026.

Another major road infrastructure initiative, the Zhob to Kuchlak Road Project (N-50), covering 298 kilometres, began in May 2021 and has achieved 39 per cent work progress. The Rs63.601 billion project is expected to be completed by June 2028.

Credit: INP-WealthPk