Sindh Chief Minister Reviews Progress on Major Federal Road Projects
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over a crucial meeting at CM House in Karachi on Tuesday to evaluate the advancement of significant federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) schemes for the 2025–26 period. The session also aimed to finalize a forward-looking strategy for the upcoming PSDP 2026–27, with a primary emphasis on enhancing road infrastructure, boosting regional connectivity, and stimulating economic growth across the province.
Key Officials and Project Details
The meeting was attended by prominent officials, including Minister for Planning & Development Jam Khan Shoro, Minister for Works Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary Works Nawaz Sohoo, Secretary to CM Asif Jameel, Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khero, and other senior representatives. During the briefing, the Chief Minister was informed that five major road infrastructure projects, with a combined cost exceeding Rs140.9 billion, are currently underway. These projects operate under a cost-sharing arrangement between the federal and provincial governments.
The projects include:
- Extension of the 36-kilometer Sindh Coastal Highway
- Improvement of the 150-kilometer Rohri - Guddu Barrage road
- Dualisation of the 31.4-kilometer Tando Allahyar - Tando Adam road
- Dualisation of the 135-kilometer Mehran Highway (Nawabshah - Ranipur)
- Improvement of the 221-kilometer Sanghar–Rohri (N-5) road
Progress and Financial Updates
Officials reported that substantial physical progress has been achieved on several of these schemes, while others are in the tendering or early execution phases. In the current financial year, Rs17.94 billion has been released, with overall expenditure showing a steady increase. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized the need to expedite work and directed all relevant departments to promptly address bottlenecks that are hindering progress.
He specifically instructed authorities to fast-track the relocation of utility lines, including Sui gas pipelines, power infrastructure, and watercourses, as well as the removal of encroachments and shifting of electric poles. Shah stressed that the quality of construction must not be compromised under any circumstances.
Economic and Social Impact
"These road projects are lifelines for our economy. They must be built to last and completed on time to provide maximum benefit to the people," the Chief Minister stated. He highlighted that improved road infrastructure would enhance trade activities, reduce travel time, and support key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and regional connectivity throughout Sindh. The development of better roads is seen as central to the province's growth strategy, promising stronger markets and improved livelihoods for residents.
Future Plans for PSDP 2026–27
The meeting also reviewed and endorsed key proposals for the upcoming PSDP 2026–27. These include:
- Construction of an additional carriageway from Jacobabad Bypass to Kandhkot (100 kilometers)
- Dualisation of the Thatta - Sujawal - Badin road (112 kilometers)
- Development of a dual carriageway from Dadu to Dokri via key stations (84 kilometers)
Murad Ali Shah noted that these future projects would significantly improve connectivity in both lower and upper Sindh, facilitate the movement of goods, and promote economic activities, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and coastal trade.
Commitment to Monitoring and Efficiency
Reaffirming his government's dedication to infrastructure development, the Chief Minister directed strict monitoring of all PSDP schemes. He instructed departments to ensure efficient utilization of funds, emphasizing that every project must translate into tangible economic and social benefits for the people of Sindh. "We are committed to delivering results. Every project must translate into real economic and social benefits for the people of Sindh," he concluded, underscoring the administration's focus on accountability and progress.
