ECNEC accords approval for Rs20.7 billion Karachi Circular Railway project

Finance Minister for Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin considered and approved a summary presented by the Planning Commission regarding the construction of infrastructure for the elimination of level crossings for the loop section of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR).

The project will be sponsored and executed by the Ministry of Railways, Government of Pakistan and will be located in Karachi, according to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry.

The project envisages the construction of flyovers/underpasses along the route of KCR for the elimination of 22-level crossings.

The rationalized cost of the project is Rs20,715 million on a cost-sharing basis. The project will facilitate the free movement of the KCR train.

In his tweet, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar informed that Prime Minister Imran Khan would be the chief guest at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in Karachi next week.

The ECNEC also approved a recommendation put forth by the Planning Commission that the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) will be authorized to consider the projects where ECNEC gives the decision to approve the project (in question) with the direction of rationalization of cost.

If the rationalization exercise results in a downward revision in cost, such projects will be accorded approval by the CDWP, and a status report shall be submitted for the perusal of the Chairman ECNEC.

In case of upward cost rationalization/revision, the project shall be re-submitted before ECNEC for consideration/approval.

Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar, Deputy Chairman Planning, Federal Secretaries, representatives of Provincial governments, and other senior officers participated in the meeting.