Sindh Approves Major Infrastructure and Development Projects
At the 48th PPP Policy Board meeting held at CM House, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah approved a series of significant projects aimed at improving public transport, infrastructure, and healthcare services in the province. The meeting was attended by several provincial ministers, officials, and board members who discussed and endorsed various initiatives under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Electric Buses for Karachi and Hyderabad
One of the key approvals was the procurement of 500 electric buses for Karachi and Hyderabad as part of the Peoples Green Transport Project. The project aims to introduce a large fleet of electric buses along with necessary infrastructure such as depots, charging stations, bus shelters, and an automatic fare collection system. The project will be executed on a DBFMOT model with a 12-year concession period and is expected to serve over 200,000 passengers daily. This initiative marks a significant step towards modern, efficient, and clean public transport in Sindh.
Elevated Expressway from Karachi Port to Qayumabad
The PPP Policy Board also approved the development of the Karachi Port to Qayumabad (Jam Sadiq Interchange) Elevated Expressway. This 16.5 km, 4-lane elevated freight expressway will connect Karachi Port (East Wharf) to Jam Sadiq Interchange, reducing travel distance by 26 km and enabling 24/7 heavy traffic movement. The project includes design, finance, construction, and 25-year operation and maintenance (OandM) under the DBFOT user-pay model. The Government of Sindh will provide capital and operational Viability Gap Funding (VGF), including a Minimum Revenue Guarantee for 10 years.
Regional Blood Centres Modernization
The Board approved the adoption of a fixed and variable cost-based annuity model across Regional Blood Centres (RBCs) in Sukkur, Karachi, and Shaheed Benazirabad. This model follows the framework previously approved for RBC Jamshoro and allows RBCs to fully optimize their capacity, issuing approximately 250,000 blood bags annually to designated Hospital Blood Banks (HBBs). Blood bags will be provided free of cost to patients in government HBBs, addressing the high demand for safe blood in hospitals.
Radiology and Diagnostic Labs Outsourcing
The PPP Policy Board approved funding for transaction advisors to conduct a feasibility study and provide transaction advisory services for outsourcing radiology and diagnostic lab services at Chandka Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Larkana, and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. The initiative aims to address challenges in operating and maintaining advanced diagnostic equipment such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds. A private partner will invest in new equipment, ensure operation and maintenance, upgrade systems, and improve turnaround times for test results.
Children Hospital Operational Budget
The Board reviewed the revised 10th-year operational budget of Sindh Government Children Hospital for the period October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, amounting to Rs 738.65 million, along with a proposed capital expenditure of Rs 95.12 million. The approval included necessary amendments to the Concession Agreement to ensure continued quality service delivery at the hospital.
Riverine Forestation Project
A riverine forestation project covering approximately 41 thousand hectares in districts Jamshoro and Matiari was approved under the PPP mode. The project aims to restore the Riverine Forest of Sindh to minimize climate impacts and reduce greenhouse gases. It is expected to generate 35 to 40 million carbon credits, which will be monetized through international carbon markets. The Policy Board also approved engagement of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a feasibility study of a new riverine forestation project spanning 88,000 hectares.
Rice and Wheat Mechanisation Project
The Policy Board approved a project under the PPP mode to revolutionize rice and wheat cultivation in Sindh through mechanization. Advanced machinery will be provided to farmers on a rental basis, enhancing productivity and efficiency in farming. PDF funding for a feasibility study has been allocated, and the project is expected to launch in the next few months.
Cluster Farming Development Project
Approval was given for a feasibility study to establish a tomato cluster processing project in district Thatta. A master plan is envisioned to include similar facilities in regions or districts across Sindh that specialize in fruits and vegetables.
NED Science and Technology Park
The PPP Policy Board approved the execution of the Concession Agreement for the NED Science and Technology Park Project located within NED University. The park will be a green building and the first university-based science and technology park PPP project in the country. The agreement will be signed with Enertech Holding Company, a subsidiary of Kuwait Investment Authority, under a G2G arrangement in PPP mode. The agreement is expected to be signed by the end of October 2025.
