PM orders upgrade of road network to link Reqo Dik project with Gwadar

LAHORE, (NNI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized appropriate planning regarding the communication infrastructure, especially the railway line, to take full advantage of minerals in Balochistan.

Chairing a meeting on Mines and Minerals of Balochistan with special context to Reqo Dik Project in Lahore Sunday, he instructed the up gradation of the existing road network at the earliest to connect the Reqo Dik project with Gwadar by road.

Shehbaz Sharif said also advised to consult all stakeholders at the official level as well as to remove obstacles regarding the project.

Regarding the protection and safety of the workers associated with the Reqo Dik project, the Prime Minister said security will be ensured for those working on the project and logistics and transport from Reqo Dik to the port.

Besides, Shehbaz Sharif instructed to expedite the completion of under construction roads. He said a strategy should be evolved regarding the feasibility of a railway network from Reqo Dik to Gwadar port.

He added that Reqo Dik to Gwadar rail project will ensure easy and swift access as well as reduce distance as compared to Bin Qasim port. He said the mineral-rich district of Chaghai will benefit a lot from the new railway line and help promote mining industry.

The Prime Minister, on the occasion, also sought a detailed briefing next week on Reqo Dik and Rail Connectivity.

The Prime Minister also directed to remove all the hindrances at the official level to complete the Environment and Social Impact Assessment regarding the Reqo Dik project.

The Prime Minister was briefed that feasibility of Reqo Dik project will be completed by the end of this year. It was said 6,000 containers will be transported to the port every month from Reqo Dik. The meeting was informed that the concentrate pipeline of the project will be the second longest slurry pipeline in the world. It was said that the mining company will construct a link road from Reqo Dik to National Highway-40.

The meeting was briefed that fifty eight percent construction work on 103 kilometres long road from Naukundi to Mashkhel has been completed to connect Reqo Dik with Gwadar.

Among others, a delegation of Barrick Gold Company led by its Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow attended the meeting.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik and high-level officials attended the meeting.