Balochistan experiences significant advancements in CPEC energy and infrastructure projects.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives have made substantial advancements in Balochistan, indicating an intensified emphasis on the province’s infrastructural enhancement, social improvement, and economic integration.

Documents from Wealth Pakistan indicate that a significant completed project in the energy sector is the 1320MW China Hub Coal Power Plant in Hub District, developed under the IPP model with an investment of USD 1,912.2 million, currently providing essential baseload power to the national grid.

Connectivity enhancements comprise the finalization of Eastbay Expressway Phase-I under the IFL mode at a cost of USD179 million, the 110km Khuzdar–Basima Road financed through PSDP at USD118.01 million, and the New Gwadar International Airport developed as a grant-funded initiative valued at USD230 million.

Furthermore, Gwadar Port and Free Zone, established under the BOT framework at a cost of USD 300 million, has enhanced Pakistan’s maritime and logistics capabilities.

Numerous grant-funded projects have been executed to assist local communities under the socio-economic development objectives.

The projects encompass the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan valued at USD 4 million, freshwater treatment facilities under the PSDP amounting to USD 130 million, a Technical and Vocational Institute in Gwadar funded by a USD 10 million grant, and the Pak-China Friendship Hospital in Gwadar, constructed with a USD 100 million grant.

Significant socio-economic infrastructure initiatives include the 1.2 MGD Gwadar Desalination Plant, funded by a grant of USD 13.97 million; the provision of 15,000 solar-powered lighting units, supported by a grant of USD 0.34 million; and the enhancement of an emergency center at Bolan Medical Complex, Quetta, backed by a grant of USD 0.22 million.

Numerous significant projects are presently being executed inside Balochistan’s connectivity infrastructure. The projects encompass the 168 km Awaran–Naal Road under the PSDP, with a budget of USD 107.46 million; the 103 km Nokundi–Mashkhel Road, costing USD 47 million; the Hoshab–Awaran Section of M-8 (146 km), funded by the PSDP at USD 161.49 million; and the Zhob–Quetta Road (298 km), estimated at USD 391 million.

Infrastructure development for Gwadar Free Zone Phase-II is advancing under the BOT model, with an anticipated investment of USD 285 million.

Bostan SEZ in Quetta, bolstered by USD 9 million in PSDP funding, is promoting regional industrialization within the industrial infrastructure sector.

Additionally, socio-economic initiatives encompass the creation of a burns center and the restoration of 36,000 residences impacted by flooding in Balochistan.

The expansion of energy infrastructure persists with the 300MW Gwadar Coal Power Project, which has a budget of USD542.32 million under the Independent Power Producer model.

The proposed four-lane highway from DI Khan to Zhob (210 km), across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and presently categorized under TBD funding, is anticipated to greatly enhance inter-provincial connectivity.

Future significant projects are planned to stimulate growth in the province.

The province is developing its inaugural significant urban transport system with the Quetta Mass Transit Project, designed to alleviate transportation issues in the provincial capital. To augment marine capacity, two new PSDP-funded projects – the dredging of berthing areas and channels (USD 27 million) and the construction of a breakwater (USD 123 million) – are anticipated to improve operating efficiency at the port.