GWADAR: In another groundbreaking development, construction of Gwadar Eastbay Expressway Phase-II, starting from New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) to Gwadar Port, has finally been approved during the 8th Joint Working Group (JWG) on Gwadar under CPEC held last week. Under Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), federal government has also allocated Rs 200 million for the construction of Eastbay Expressway Phase II.
Secretary Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives, being the convener of the JWG on Gwadar chaired the meeting. PC-I of the project was already approved from CDWP (Central development Working party) for funding through Grant-in-Aid.
Its total estimated cost is Rs 30.13 billion, 95 percent financed through Chinese grant-in-aid under CPEC. China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) will undertake the construction of the expressway.
The second phase of the expressway is planned as a 13.8-kilometer, six-lane (four paved lanes) dual carriageway.
It will directly link the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) with the existing Eastbay Expressway, enabling smooth, high-speed cargo transport to Gwadar Port. The plan also includes supporting infrastructure like a toll plaza, drainage, lighting, fencing, and security towers. This road project is seen as vital to enhancing Gwadar’s role in logistics and improving port operations.
The Eastbay Expressway Phase I had already completed and operated on June 03, 2022. It is a six-lane road around 19 kilometre long, as the main artery of Gwadar Port through which the entire traffic of the port flow realizing the dream of making Gwadar logistic and economic hub of the region in line with objectives of CPEC.
Eastbay Expressway Phase I cost USD 168 million and it provides primary connectivity of the Port and its Free Zone I and Free Zone II with Makran Coastal Highway (N-10) and Motorway 8 (CPEC’s Western route) for smooth logistic transportation of import, export, and transit goods to Khujrab, border of China.
Gwadar Eastbay Expressway Phase I was approved by ECNEC on January 12, 2015. Contract Agreement was signed between GPA & CCCC on September 24 2017. –Agencies
