Senate Body Expresses Concern Over Sindh Project Cost Escalation
The Senate’s Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has voiced significant concerns regarding the escalating costs and delays plaguing major infrastructure development projects in Sindh. Issues of poor coordination between federal and provincial authorities were highlighted during a recent meeting, which reviewed key initiatives such as the K-IV bulk water supply scheme for Karachi, the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, and various motorway projects within the province.
Cost Overruns and Exclusion in Project Approvals
A central point of contention was the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity project. Committee members expressed strong disapproval of the Sindh government’s exclusion from its approval process. Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Marri questioned the accountability for the project’s PC-I preparation and approval without provincial input. The committee tasked Jam Saifullah Khan with identifying responsible parties for the cost increase from Rs53 billion to Rs90 billion. SindhNews.com reported that this lack of inclusivity is a recurring theme.
Delays Plague Key Infrastructure Projects
Major projects continue to face protracted delays. The railways secretary informed the committee that the ML-1 project has been in limbo since 2015. Financial assistance is anticipated from the Asian Development Bank, after which construction on a section is expected to commence next year. Meanwhile, numerous applications for no-objection certificates (NOCs) for railway crossings remain pending with Pakistan Railways, hindering progress.
The committee urged swift action on pending NOCs and directed a comprehensive report within a month. The Karachi Green Line BRT project is progressing, with an estimated completion date of October 31, 2026, and substantial funds already utilized. However, the absence of the communications secretary at multiple meetings drew sharp criticism.
Federal Funding and Project Implementation Challenges
Federal funds for Sindh have not been released for two consecutive quarters, a fact that drew criticism and a directive for immediate release from the finance division. The M-6 Motorway project is on track, with tenders invited and two sections slated for completion by June 2026. However, the provincial irrigation minister noted that Sindh has received only a fraction of its transferred projects post-dissolution of the Pakistan Works Department.
The K-IV water supply project, a joint federal-provincial initiative funded by the World Bank, faces continued delays that risk further cost increases. A critical World Bank condition for the KB Feeder Project requires immediate resolution.
The committee’s deliberations underscore the urgent need for improved coordination and transparency to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of vital development projects in Sindh.