Islamabad: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed three key financing agreements aimed at upgrading road and rail links, expanding water management systems and improving urban transport, the Economic Affairs Division said on Friday.
Rail Upgrade, Quetta BRT
According to the division’s spokesperson, ADB will provide a total of $61.8 million to support the projects. The package includes readiness financing for the ML-1 Karachi–Rohri rail section, additional funding for the Quetta Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and support for the Balochistan Water Resources Development program.
Officials said the ML-1 Karachi–Rohri segment will receive $10 million, which will help prepare the project’s technical designs and assessments before full-scale work begins. The Quetta BRT system, which has faced delays and cost increases, will receive $3.8 million in supplemental financing. Authorities said the additional funds will help expedite construction and address infrastructure gaps.
Balochistan’s Water Infrastructure
ADB has allocated the largest portion $48 million to the Balochistan Water Resources Development Project. The initiative aims to strengthen irrigation networks, improve groundwater management and increase water availability in drought-prone districts.
Pakistan Seeks to Accelerate Development Plans
The signing marks another step in Pakistan’s broader effort to revive stalled infrastructure programs amid fiscal pressures. Officials said further engagement with ADB is expected as the government pushes ahead with transport, energy and water-sector reforms.
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