Balochistan Road Development Sector Project

Coming on top of the huge development of Southern Balochistan i.e. Gwadur and Makran it is great to see the government now preparing to spend even more on development of the interior of the province, as well.

total cost of the project is estimated at $267.3 million, out of which the ADB will provide $186.7 million](http://www.dawn.com/2004/02/25/nat25.htm)

http://www.adb.org/Documents/ADBBO/LOAN/34333013.ASP

Objectives and Scope

The objectives of the Project are to reduce poverty and support pro-poor economic growth by (i) enhancing access for rural populations to economic opportunities and social services through improvement of the province’s road network, (ii) improving trade facilitation and efficiency of the priority road transport corridor linking Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia together, which passes through Balochistan, and (iii) providing essential institutional support and capacity building of the Communication and Works Department (CWD). The Project will improve the inadequate provincial connectivity and allow better access, specifically for the rural poor, to education and health facilities, markets, districts, and to the provincial cities. The Project will also support subregional cooperation by (i) improving cross-border movements of goods and passengers at the Chaman border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, (ii) improving access to ports located in southern Pakistan, and (iii) reducing transport cost through improved road conditions and reduced travelling time.

great :k: :k: :k:

i really hope our govt exploits the stone/gas/mineral deposits in Balochistan too in the near future inshallah. that has huge potential.

and i also hope that if the govt changes in the middle of this project, its not left stranded as have some other major developmental projects in the past.

For the last four years plus we have had the most pro-Balochistan/pro-minority provinces governments in power, and the powers that be will ensure that the massive development of Balochistan will continue for years to come. With the opening of the Gwadur port, Makran Highway and the upgrading of the road infrastructure in the interior of the province, Balochistan is poised to play a crucial role in the future destiny of Pakistan as a whole.