The federal government has conditionally approved the construction of three segments of the Balochistan Expressway (N-25), aimed at improving travel safety and regional connectivity. The project, valued at Rs. 415 billion, will be funded through an additional Rs. 8 per liter levy on petrol and diesel, introduced in April.
Essentially, the new expressway will be funded from citizens’ petrol spending.
Project Details
The project spans 692 kilometers in total and will be executed in three phases by the National Highway Authority (NHA).
The first section, Karachi-Quetta-Chaman (278 km), is expected to cost Rs. 183.4 billion, with Rs. 33 billion allocated in the current fiscal year. The second segment, Khuzdar-Kuchlak (332 km), has a projected cost of Rs. 99 billion. Around 52% of the construction is already complete, and Rs. 34 billion has been set aside for this year. The final segment, covering Karoro Wadh and Khuzdar-Chaman (104 km), will cost Rs. 133 billion, with Rs. 33 billion allocated in FY 2025-26.
Petrol Price Hike for Funding
The entire project is being funded by a petroleum levy that adds Rs. 8 per liter on top of existing fuel taxes. Combined with a Rs. 75 petroleum levy, a Rs 2.5 climate levy, and 10% customs duty, this has made petrol one of the most heavily taxed commodities in Pakistan. It currently sells for Rs. 272 per liter.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the policy, calling it a necessary step to fund overdue infrastructure upgrades in Balochistan.
Several Construction Issues
The CDWP flagged issues related to road alignment, cost revisions, and land acquisition. These must be resolved before ECNEC can formally authorize the project. Officials also warned that the current year’s limited allocations could delay completion unless funding increases to Rs. 75 billion per year.
Once completed, the expressway will provide a dual carriageway from Karachi to Quetta, a route often cited for its poor safety record. The government believes the project will enhance regional connectivity, improve trade corridors, and reduce travel time between southern and western Pakistan.
Biggest Investment for Balochistan
Out of the federal Public Sector Development Programme’s Rs. 1 trillion allocation this year, Rs. 210 billion has been reserved for Balochistan. The expressway project is expected to be one of the province’s most significant infrastructure investments in recent years.
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Good initiative of Federal Govt
Do not see Provincial Govt of Balouchistan interest into it
It’ll be solely constructed with the levy collected from three provinces (KP, Punjab & Sindh) as people in Balochistan purchase Irani (smuggled) petrol and won’t be contributing anything to this project.
Unless a a consulting firm with strong expressway design background is engaged the money will go to waste in an otherwise very difficult terrain.
Damn it! Why from people’s wallet? I am absolutely convinced that the current Finance Minister is an enemy of the masses and therefore he must go.
This is a great decision and if we have to pay Rs 300 or Rs 350 per liter of petrol for the development of Balochistan, we are happy with that too.
Due current security issues very difficult project and will require proper alignment and fast pace construction and good consultantsa. Cost will increase with the passage if delayed due to funding and security issues. It is much needed project for the development of Balochistan. Lets hope and pray it gets completed. It is just announced will take time in tendering etc and foremost requirement is PC 1which we neglect quite often.
You don’t even know the mentioned cities location and distances, its funny how badly u need views