By Ijaz Kakakhel

The Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company (STDC) is moving ahead with a Rs13.908 billion power infrastructure component for the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (KWSC) K-IV project, with major transmission, grid station and distribution works scheduled for completion by June 2027.

According to the project details available with Wealth Pakistan, the K-IV Power Component includes the construction of an approximately 26-kilometre 132kV double-circuit transmission line, a 132kV grid station, an 11kV network and an operation and maintenance colony, as well as the engagement of a consortium of consultants.

The Sindh Cabinet approved the K-IV Power Component summary on March 31, 2026, paving the way for financing and implementation of the electricity infrastructure required for the project.

Of the total estimated project cost of Rs13.908 billion, Rs3.477 billion has been allocated for 2025-26, while the remaining Rs10.431 billion is required during 2026-27.

The first grant-in-aid tranche of Rs3.477 billion was released to the KWSC on June 30, 2026. The amount was subsequently transferred to the STDC on July 15, enabling the transmission company to proceed with implementation of the power component.

The 132kV grid station is the largest component of the package, with an estimated cost of Rs9.265 billion. Of this, Rs2.316 billion was earmarked for 2025-26 and Rs6.949 billion for 2026-27. The grid station is scheduled for completion by June 2027.

The laying of the approximately 26km 132kV double-circuit transmission line is estimated to cost Rs3.014 billion. The financial requirement comprises Rs753.5 million for 2025-26 and Rs2.261 billion for 2026-27. The transmission line is targeted for completion by February 2027.

Another Rs763 million has been allocated for the construction of the 11kV network, with the financing requirement standing at Rs190.75 million in 2025-26 and Rs572.25 million during 2026-27. The work is expected to be completed by March 2027.

The construction of the operation and maintenance colony will cost Rs698 million, including Rs174.5 million for 2025-26 and Rs523.5 million for 2026-27. Its completion is also targeted for March 2027.

In addition, Rs168 million has been earmarked for the consortium of consultants, with Rs42 million allocated in 2025-26 and Rs126 million in 2026-27.

The transmission line is expected to be completed first in February 2027, followed by the O&M colony and 11kV network in March, and the 132kV grid station in June 2027.

The financing plan and clearly defined completion milestones indicate that the K-IV power component has entered an important implementation phase, with STDC responsible for delivering the electrical infrastructure required to support the wider K-IV water supply project for Karachi.

Credit: INP-WealthPk