Orders Acceleration of Coastal Highway, Road, and School Reconstruction Schemes
THATTA
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of various ongoing development schemes across the province, with particular emphasis on road infrastructure and school reconstruction projects.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Works Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Minister for Planning & Development Nasir Shah, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary Works Muhammad Ali Khoso, Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khero, Secretary Zubair Channa, and other senior officials.
Progress on Coastal Highway Scheme During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the urgency of accelerating work on the 36-kilometer Coastal Highway project.
He noted that during his recent visit to Thatta, residents had expressed concerns over delays and urged the government to fast-track the project. CM Murad Ali Shah informed the participants that the project is currently in its preliminary phase and has been submitted for revision.
He stressed the strategic importance of the highway, stating that it would not only improve regional connectivity but also serve as a barrier against sea intrusion.
The project is being funded jointly by the federal and Sindh governments on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis. The Chief Minister directed the Works Department to ensure swift progress.
CM Shah also reviewed a Rs. 5 billion road construction plan for the SITE Industrial Estate in Karachi. Officials briefed him that Rs. 500 million has already been released and tenders have been issued.
The Chief Minister ordered that work be expedited to ensure completion in the upcoming year, highlighting the industrial zone’s economic importance.
Under the Prime Minister’s Program, the reconstruction of 1,800 schools damaged by recent floods is currently underway. This initiative is also being financed equally by the federal and provincial governments, with a total allocation of Rs. 12 billion.
The Chief Minister was informed that the tendering process has been finalized. He directed that funds be released promptly to avoid further delays in restoring educational infrastructure.
The meeting also discussed the major infrastructure project connecting Rohri to Guddu Barrage via Kanpur Mehr, Mirpur Mathelo, and Murid Sheikh.
The proposed 150-kilometer stretch includes the construction of an interchange along the M-5 Motorway and carries a total estimated cost of Rs. 18.8 billion. CM Shah was informed that tenders have been completed. He instructed the immediate release of Rs. 5 billion for the current fiscal year to initiate work on the scheme.
Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the Tando Allahyar to Tando Adam Road dualization project, which spans 31.40 kilometers with a total budget of Rs. 9.2 billion.
Tenders for the project have been finalized, and Rs. 1 billion has been allocated for the current year. The Chief Minister directed that the allocated funds be released immediately so that physical work can commence without delay.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to accelerating development across Sindh and instructed all relevant departments to work in close coordination for timely execution of critical infrastructure projects.
