ISLAMABAD: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has presented budgetary estimates of over Rs 246 billion for public sector development program for the fiscal year 2016-17. These estimates have been given for two ongoing and one proposed projects.
The PSDP proposals have been presented to the Ports and Shipping Ministry, that will move these proposals to the parliamentary committees for scrutiny and approval. After approval from the parliamentary committees, these proposals will be forwarded to Finance Division for incorporation in the budgetary estimates of the ministry and attached departments for upcoming fiscal year.
According to budget documents available with this scribe two ongoing projects include construction of Mehran Highway Phase-III and provision of Coal Convening System from Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBT) to Railway Network of Port Qasim.
While one proposed project in the PSDP is survey and feasibility study for handling of imported coal for power generation through iron ore and coal berth at Port Qasim.
Mehran Highway (11.97KM) FROM Hospital Chorangi to Pakistan Steel Mills Link Road is to be constructed in three phases. Phase-I and II have been completed by Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and Phase-III is being undertaken by PQA.
Construction work will start this month as the project cost is Rs 248.221 billion and financial modality is Japanese grant as well as budget estimate is Rs 48 million for PSDP 2016-17.
Provision of Coal Convening System from Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBT) to Railway Network and loading of coal has been taken up on the directive of the Prime Minister’s office as per decision of the Cabinet Committee on Energy. PC-I is pending for approval of the executive committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Total cost of the project is Rs 15.875 billion while budget estimate for PSDP 2016-17 is Rs 12175.51 million.
Similarly, the refurbishment capacity of land for handling coal at stockyard and conveying system for integration with existing Railway Yard at PSM for onward dispatch through Pakistan Railways to coal fired power plants needs to be studied.
PC-II is under finalization and after approval of PC-II the study will be awarded to a consultant for conducting study. Total cost of the project is Rs 100 million and budget estimates for PSDP2016-17 is also Rs 100 million.
Port Qasim second busiest port handling about 35% of the nation’s cargo (17 million tons per annum). The port encompasses a total area of 12,000 acres (49 km2) wherein many industrial zones operate. In addition to the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC), around 80% of the Pakistan’s automotive industry is located at Port Qasim.
The port also provides direct waterfront access to two major nearby industrial areas, Export Processing Zone (Landhi) and Korangi Industrial Area. Approximately 60% of country’s export and import is originated from these areas.
