GWADAR: To develop Gwadar Port up to international standards Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has finalised the proposals while forwarding them onto federal government. GPA has indicated ten projects of different departments for improvement of port services. It has also presented feasibility reports for the projects.
Sources said that the ten forwarded projects are now under the federal government’s consideration. While regarding the holding of land for free trade zone as essential, the authority has estimated an expenditure of 6691.1 million rupees for the zone. Rs 362.2 million has been estimated for Gwadar Port Authority Housing Complex; Rs 835 million for development and construction of port allied structures; Rs 13 billion for breakwaters; Rs 2.8 billion for deepening of area and channels along with additional berths; Rs 30 million for revitalization of Harbour Road; Rs 80 million for turning/replacement of the boats with modern boats; Rs 500 million for port security system of non-concession area; Rs 1 billion for establishment of modern technical and vocational training institute; and Rs 11 billion have been estimated for construction of expressway towards eastern bay of Gwadar port.
Financing of most of the aforementioned projects have been offered by Chinese government. Approval of Pakistan’s federal government for the projects shall not only change the face of Gwadar but also encourage the neighbouring country’s Foreign Direct Investment into Pakistan.
