Pakistan is undertaking a landmark infrastructure project by constructing South Asia’s longest river bridge, the Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge, comprising an impressive 12.5 kilometers over the Indus River. This ambitious project, basically located in Sindh province, is on the verge of transforming the region’s connectivity, economic potential, and social landscape.
General timeline and Project Overview
• Name of the project: Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge
• Length: 12.5 km
• River Crossed: Indus River
• Estimated Cost: Rs 30.5 billion
• Expected Completion: 2028
• Construction Started: 2 years ago (2023)
Syed Qasim Naveed is the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh on Investment and Public-Private Partnership. Recently, Qasim unveiled updates in the meeting regarding the project’s progress. Qasim Naveed noted that construction is advancing rapidly, and all efforts are highly concentrated on meeting the 2028 completion target.
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Strategic Location and Connectivity Benefits
The bridge is strategically placed at the crossroads of
- Sindh
- Punjab
- Balochistan
Its construction will bring various benefits such as:
• Minimize travel time across the Indus River from 2.5 hours to just 15 minutes
• improve mobility for commuters and cargo
• Improve security and access in the historically vulnerable katcha areas along the riverbanks
Economic and Social Impact
The project is assumed as a game-changer for regional development, particularly for Kandhkot, which has lagged behind Ghotki in terms of industrial and infrastructural growth.
Expected benefits include:
• Creation of new job opportunities
• Uplift in livelihoods for local communities
• Opening up of investment and industrialization prospects in underdeveloped areas
Broader Investment Initiatives
In addition to the bridge, Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar unveiled a portfolio of infrastructure and social sector projects valued at over Rs 616 billion, designed to mesmerize private sector investment through public-private partnerships.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders from Pakistan’s business community, including:
• MNA Mirza Ikhtiar Baig
• Zubair Motiwala (KCCI)
• Industrialist Arif Habib
The government’s strategic dedication and commitment is strongly reflected through these kinds of initiatives to build sustainable infrastructure and driving inclusive economic growth in the region.