By Ijaz Kakakhel

Four ongoing road infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Balochistan’s western zone have recorded cumulative releases and expenditure of Rs54.9 billion against total allocations of Rs83.2 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

The figures cover the PSDP period from 2020-21 to 2026-27, encompassing six preceding financial years and the current budget year, according to a project-wise funding status update, a copy of which is available with Wealth Pakistan.

The reported releases and expenditure represent approximately 66% of the total allocation, leaving an unspent balance of Rs28.3 billion.

The four projects, comprising two sections of the M-8 motorway, the Basima-Khuzdar section of N-30 and the Zhob-Kuchlak section of N-50, cover a combined distance of 718 kilometers. These roads are intended to improve connectivity across Balochistan and strengthen transport links between remote districts, commercial centers and major national highways.

The Awaran-Naal section of the M-8, extending 168 kilometers, accounts for the largest allocation of Rs27.28 billion. The funding statement records cumulative releases and expenditure of Rs20.45 billion, representing approximately 75% of the allocated amount. The difference between allocation and reported utilization stands at Rs6.83 billion.

The 298-kilometre Zhob-Kuchlak section of N-50 has received the second-largest allocation of Rs23.85 billion. However, its reported releases and expenditure amount to Rs11.707 billion, equivalent to approximately 49% of the allocation. The project consequently has the largest funding gap among the four schemes, at approximately Rs12.14 billion.

For the 146-kilometre Hoshab-Awaran section of M-8, a total allocation of Rs18.30 billion has been recorded, against cumulative releases and expenditure of Rs9.75 billion. This represents approximately 53% of the allocated amount, leaving a difference of Rs8.55 billion.

Meanwhile, the 106-kilometre Basima-Khuzdar section of N-30 has recorded the highest proportion of releases and expenditure relative to its allocation. Against an allocation of Rs13.75 billion, the project has registered Rs12.97 billion in releases and expenditure, representing approximately 94% of the allocated funds. The remaining difference stands at Rs780 million.

Collectively, the two M-8 sections account for Rs45.58 billion in allocations and Rs30.20 billion in reported releases and expenditure.

Similarly, the N-30 and N-50 sections together account for Rs37.60 billion in allocations, against approximately Rs24.68 billion in reported releases and expenditure.

The financial figures indicate varying levels of funding utilization across the four western-zone road projects, with the Basima-Khuzdar section recording the highest proportion and the Zhob-Kuchlak section the lowest.

The projects form part of efforts to improve Balochistan's transport infrastructure and regional connectivity. Their eventual completion could help reduce transportation constraints, improve market access, and facilitate economic activities in previously underserved areas.

The financial position also highlights the importance of sustained funding and timely implementation to translate infrastructure investments into improved connectivity and economic opportunities for communities across the province.

Credit: INP-WealthPk