CPEC: Planning Commission approves Rs 20.17 billion KCR project, forwards to ECNEC

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Planning Commission on Tuesday afternoon approved and forwarded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)’s Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project worth Rs 20.17 billion to Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further consideration.

Planning Commission’s Central Development Working Party (CDWP) cleared the recommended KCR project. CDWP met with Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan in the chair and discussed projects related to social sector development.

A project related to transport and communications was presented in the meeting namely “Construction of Infrastructure (flyover, underpass structure)” for the elimination of level crossing from the loop section of KCR.

The proposed structures will help eliminate 22 level crossings located from KCR loop from Drigh Road to Karachi City Station and shall also make it a reliable mode of public transport.

The Deputy Chairman Planning Commission directed all concerned officials to ensure the completion of the project within the timelines, as the project is crucial for the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Karachi.

According to Pakistan Railways, Karachi Circular Railway project will be completed in three phases. The length of the KCR project is 43.13 kilometers, including 14.95-km on the ground and 28.18-km elevated. It would have 24 stations and its per-day ridership would be around 550,000.

The second phase will expand operations to a seven-kilometer track running from Orangi Station to Gilani Station, while the third will see trains running over a nine-kilometer stretch between Gilani Station and Drigh Colony.

The second phase of KCR will cost Rs 8.70 billion, whereas the third phase would be completed under a public-private partnership.

Senior officials from Planning Commission, Federal ministries and divisions also participated in the meeting while representatives from provincial governments participated through video links.