ISLAMABAD: The government has started work on the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) project with a budget of $460 million, supported by the World Bank, as per the private tv channel report.
As per report, the project includes building a four-lane expressway from Peshawar to the Torkham border and establishing an industrial zone, it is a joint effort of the federal and provincial governments to connect the region through a transport corridor.
Designed in 2024, construction on the project has already begun. The World Bank approved a $460 million loan for this purpose.
The project has two parts: the first focuses on road construction, while the second includes setting up an industrial zone and other development projects. Out of the total funds, $385 million is allocated for road construction, and $75 million is reserved for the industrial zone.
Deputy Commissioner Khyber Bilal Shahid Rao told Private tv channel that a 47-kilometer-long four-lane expressway from Peshawar to Torkham is under construction. A 55-kilometer-long Peshawar Southern Bypass is also part of the plan.
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He added that the expressway will be connected to Peshawar Southern Bypass and GT Road. The industrial zone, the second part of the project, will be set up in Jamrud Shakas and Bara. The provincial government is responsible for this part, with $75 million allocated for it.
Other sub-projects include development schemes for nearby villages, an international bus terminal, warehouses, and a traffic management system.
Chief Collector Customs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Khawaja Khurram Naeem said the project will boost international trade and provide over 100,000 job opportunities.
He also mentioned that the plan includes a border market. The Afghan government will build the highway from Torkham to Kabul. He emphasized that the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor will serve as a key trade route for regional countries and create new trade opportunities.
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Pakistan continues trade activities with Afghanistan, Central Asia, and other countries through the Torkham border. The project is expected to significantly increase international trade and positively impact Pakistan’s economy.
It should be noted that, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Industries, Abdul Karim Tordher, stated that the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) is an important project connecting the entire region through a communication network. He said it will promote trade and business while bringing development and prosperity through various sub-projects.
Recently, Abdul Karim received a briefing at the Civil Secretariat in Peshawar about the progress of this major communication project. The briefing was attended by Project Director Imran Zahoor, Economist Sadiq Hussain, Deputy Secretary for Industries Aizaz Ullah, and representatives from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company.
Officials provided details about the project, which is being developed with World Bank assistance. They said that the Khyber Pass is an important route to Central Asia, the corridor will make travel simple, bring in investment, and connect nearby countries by road.
The project is part of the Central Asian Roads Economic Corridors (CAREC) initiative. It consists of 85% communication infrastructure and 15% other development activities.
These include setting up a modern marble processing zone, gemstone city, vocational center, sports complex, and regional hospital, these facilities aim to create job opportunities, reduce poverty, and promote regional trade and local industries.
Business clusters are also being supported under the project. To provide job opportunities for women, an inclusive business development park will be established.
Additionally, a bus terminal will be built in Shahkas, Khyber district, on 30 acres of land, other proposed sub-projects include a border market and a Pak-Afghan Economic Zone.
Abdul Karim appreciated the project’s significance for the province’s development and assured his full cooperation. He emphasized that the corridor would not only provide a comfortable route to regional countries but also create new opportunities for trade.
Will be good achievement for public relief.
Excellent civil engineering project