Murad reviews Rs 140 bln federal PSDP portfolio, pushes fast-track execution of Road Projects

KARACHI, Apr 21 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over a meeting to review the progress of major federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) schemes for 2025–26 and to finalise a forward strategy for the upcoming PSDP 2026–27, with a strong focus on road infrastructure, regional connectivity, and economic growth here at CM House on Tuesday.
The 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 officials were present in the meeting.
The Chief Minister was informed that five major road infrastructure projects, with a cumulative cost of over Rs140.9 billion, are currently under implementation with a cost-sharing arrangement between the federal and provincial governments. These include the extension of the 36-km Sindh Coastal Highway, the 150-km Rohri – Guddu Barrage road improvement, the 31.4-km Dualisation of Tando Allahyar – Tando Adam road, the 135-km Dualisation of Mehran Highway (Nawabshah – Ranipur), and the 221-km Sanghar–Rohri (N-5) road improvement.
The CM was told that significant physical progress has been achieved on several schemes, while others are at tendering or early execution stages. So far, Rs17.94 billion has been released in the current financial year, with overall expenditure steadily increasing.
Murad Ali Shah emphasised expediting work and directed all departments to immediately resolve bottlenecks, including relocation of utility lines, shifting of electric poles, and removal of encroachments.
He instructed authorities to fast-track relocation of Sui gas pipelines, power infrastructure, and watercourses that are affecting project execution.
The Chief Minister stressed that the quality of construction must not be compromised. “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,” he said.
He added that improved road infrastructure would enhance trade, reduce travel time, and support agriculture, industry, and regional connectivity across Sindh.
The CM meeting also reviewed and endorsed key proposals for the upcoming PSDP 2026 – 27, including additional carriageway from Jacobabad Bypass to Kandhkot (100 km), Dualisation of the Thatta – Sujawal – Badin road (112 km), and a Dual carriageway from Dadu to Dokri via key stations (84 km).
The Chief Minister said these projects would significantly improve connectivity in lower and upper Sindh, facilitate the movement of goods, and promote economic activities, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and coastal trade.
Murad Shah noted that infrastructure development is central to Sindh’s growth strategy. Better roads mean better connectivity, stronger markets, and improved livelihoods for our people, he added.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment, the Chief Minister directed strict monitoring of all PSDP schemes and instructed departments to ensure efficient utilisation of funds. “We are committed to delivering results. Every project must translate into real economic and social benefits for the people of Sindh,” he concluded.