ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Thursday approved eight development projects worth Rs157 billion, including two signature projects of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N – first phase of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (PCEC) and another dedicated rapid transit system for Karachi from Saddar to Surjani.

Among the other projects okayed included a couple of projects related to power generation.

The meeting, presided over by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, approved the construction of 120km road from Havelian to Thakot – first phase of Islamabad to Raikot sector of PCEC project. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif laid the foundationstone of the project last week. The project cost has been estimated at Rs95.4bn.

Ecnec also formally approved Green Line Bus Rapid Transit System at a total cost of Rs16.085bn. The dedicated track for rapid bus system is to start from Saddar, Karachi, and culminate at KESC Power House Chowrangi Surjani.

The project envisaged construction of 17.80km long two-lane dedicated signal-free bus rapid transit system. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has conducted a detailed feasibility of the project that suggested the mega scheme to benefit 400,000 passengers per day.

Last week, the CDWP had cleared the project, in principle, with the condition that its estimated cost should be rationalised. The project at that time involved 21km length at a cost of Rs27.6bn, but within a week, the length of road was cut down to 17.8km and its cost reduced to Rs16.085bn. The start and termination points of the project would remain unchanged but its route is reported to have been realigned.

The committee also approved Rs13.87bn for procurement of six maritime patrol vessels for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.

It also approved a Rs4.97bn project of the Ministry of Railways for special repair of 100 diesel locomotives. After repairs, the locomotives are anticipated to improve freight and passenger service of Pakistan Railways.

Energy projects: The meeting also approved two power generation projects with the combined capacity of 75MW. The 40MW Dowarian Hydro Power Project and 35MW Nagdar Hydropower project will be located in district Neelum and will be executed and operated by AJK Hydroelectric Board.

The first project has total cost of Rs5.973bn and will be completed in three years. The hydropower project will be connected by laying 45km, 132kv transmission line from Dowarian to 35MW Nagdar hydro-power project. The second energy project has the total cost of Rs6.845bn to be completed in four years.

The Ecnec also approved a Rs10.335bn on the request of Pakistan Audit Department for a project to improve financial reporting and auditing (PIFRA) Phase-II. The project has an estimated cost of Rs10.335bn, including foreign exchange component of Rs8.930bn, coming from the World Bank.

Livestock project: The meeting also approved the Livestock and Access to Markets Project (LAMP) of Punjab. The project will cost Rs3.853bn. It will be sponsored by Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab, and strengthen the beneficiary communities, including vulnerable women, private sector players and live-stock and dairy development department.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2014