Rs365 billion proposed to upgrade Pakistan’s transport network

Major focus on highways, motorways, railways, and Gwadar connectivity projects.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has proposed an allocation of Rs365 billion for the upgradation and improvement of the communication sector in the upcoming budget, reflecting a 9.6 percent increase over the previous financial year.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, while presenting the budget, said the government is prioritizing large-scale infrastructure development to strengthen national connectivity and improve transport efficiency across the country.

He said Rs100 billion has been proposed for the 813-kilometre N-25 highway, which links Karachi with the Chaman border via Quetta, while Rs30 billion is earmarked for the Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway (M-6).

The minister added that the ML-1 railway upgradation project remains a key strategic priority under the country’s transport modernization plan. The project is expected to move forward with support from new financing arrangements through the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

For the Karachi–Rohri section of ML-1, an allocation of Rs25 billion has been proposed as part of ongoing railway infrastructure improvement.

He further stated that Rs93 billion has been allocated for enhancing goods transportation systems, improving infrastructure at Gwadar Port, and supporting various provincial road projects aimed at strengthening regional connectivity. The Thar Coal Connectivity Project has also been allocated Rs2 billion.

In addition, the government has proposed Rs224.5 billion for ongoing and new development projects under the National Highway Authority (NHA).

Among major road projects, Rs2 billion has been proposed for the Lahore–Sahiwal–Bahawalpur Motorway (295 km) and the Lahore Ring Road to Raja Jang–Kasur Road (18 km).

Another Rs2 billion has been allocated for the dualization of Sialkot–Eminabad Road up to Kamoke, including its link to the motorway, while Rs1 billion has been proposed for the Khwazakhela–Besham Expressway.

The government said the proposed investments aim to modernize transport infrastructure, improve logistics networks, and enhance national and regional connectivity, supporting long-term economic development.