China to undertake $794Mln Highway project in Pakistan
'Pakistan Times' National News Desk

BEIJING (China): China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a state-owned construction firm has completed the feasibility study of Karakoram Highway project, for its renovation and expansion.

"Administrative and financial arrangements are being worked out with the Pakistani authority to initiate the project as soon as possible, said sources with China's Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (ASAC) here Thursday.

Sources said that they have sent proposals to relevant institutions in Pakistan for a formal contract. The two countries have already signed a memorandum of understanding to pave the way for practical operation of the project.

The total estimated cost of the project is $794 million. It was suggested that 90 per cent of the cost will be met by the balance of the preferential export buyer's credit ($500) committed by the government of China in November, 2003 while the remaining 10 per cent will be financed by the government of Pakistan. Other potential sources will be sought in case of any shortfall.

As per understanding, CRBC will be in charge of the design and reconstruction of the highway as the general contractor. At the first stage, the 335-kilometer road between the Raikot bridge and the Khunjerab mountain pass will be rebuilt and upgraded.

The two sides have agreed to complete the drawing of the blue print, listing the work items and signing commercial contracts by the end of October, and try to start working by the end of the year.

The Karakoram Highway is the only overland connection between China and Pakistan at present. The 809-kilometer highway, whose location is 600 to 4,700 meters above sea level, was built in 1978 for special geopolitical reasons.

It is largely broken due to lack of maintenance and the earthquake in late 2005.

During President Pervez Musharraf's visit to China in February this year, the two sides reached an agreement in principle to upgrade the Karakoram Highway.

According to the ASAC's sources, width of the highway will be expanded from 10 meters to 30 meters, and its transport capacity will be enhanced three times. Heavy-laden vehicles will be able to run on the road after the upgradation.●