ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Thursday approved eight development projects worth Rs157 billion, including two signature projects of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N – first phase of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (PCEC) and another dedicated rapid transit system for Karachi from Saddar to Surjani.
Among the other projects okayed included a couple of projects related to power generation.
The meeting, presided over by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, approved the construction of 120km road from Havelian to Thakot – first phase of Islamabad to Raikot sector of PCEC project. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif laid the foundationstone of the project last week. The project cost has been estimated at Rs95.4bn.
Ecnec also formally approved Green Line Bus Rapid Transit System at a total cost of Rs16.085bn. The dedicated track for rapid bus system is to start from Saddar, Karachi, and culminate at KESC Power House Chowrangi Surjani.
The project envisaged construction of 17.80km long two-lane dedicated signal-free bus rapid transit system. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has conducted a detailed feasibility of the project that suggested the mega scheme to benefit 400,000 passengers per day.
