Lahore (Bureau Report)
The Punjab government has announced plans to construct and rehabilitate roads, housing, hostels, water infrastructure, and sewerage systems through public-private partnerships (PPP) during the new year.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved development projects for 18 major provincial roads as well as 24 agricultural, industrial, and urban corridors of strategic importance. The approvals were granted during a special meeting focused on infrastructure development.
It was decided that the 150-kilometer-long Depalpur–Pakpattan–Vehari Road would be dualized with the support of the private sector. In addition, the dualization of the 100-kilometer Chiragh Abad–Jhang–Shorkot Road received in-principle approval.
The meeting also approved the construction of additional carriageways on the Muzaffargarh–Alipur–Tibba Panah Road, Sahiwal–Samundri Road, and Bahawalpur–Jhangra Sharqi Road through private sector participation. Upgradation of roads in Sialkot, Pasrur, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, and Daska was also included in the development plan.
The chief minister set targets for the rehabilitation of outdated water infrastructure, improvement of sewerage systems, and provision of clean drinking water across the province. Drainage and water supply projects in Chakwal and Kasur will also be completed under the public-private partnership model, and approval was granted for the appointment of transaction advisors for these projects.
The meeting reviewed proposals to provide on-campus residential facilities for students at public universities and medical colleges. All departments were instructed to identify viable projects that could be implemented in collaboration with the private sector.
Under the plan, modern technology and machinery will be used for the construction, repair, and maintenance of roads. A modern toll collection system will be introduced to improve travel experience, reduce journey time, and ensure road safety.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb stated that transparent public-private partnership models would accelerate development for both Punjab and its citizens. She added that under the chief minister’s vision, all sectors are being directed to launch projects through collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from relevant ministries and departments, representatives of the private sector, and officials from the Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA), which also briefed participants on proposed projects related to roads, water, and public facilities.