Pakistan enhances road link with Afghanistan
22 November 2024
Published in: World Highways
Pakistan’s government has secured financing from the World Bank to support the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) project in the northern region. The primary goal of this project is to boost economic activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan by enhancing regional connectivity and promoting private sector development along the Khyber Pass Corridor.
The KPEC is a vital link connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan with Central Asia through the historic Khyber Pass, a route integral to trade between South and Central Asia for centuries.
A few years ago, the project was approved by the government of Pakistan and the World Bank at a total cost of US$482.75 million; of this, $22.15 million will be contributed by Pakistan, and the remaining $460.60 million will be based on concessional funding as committed by the World Bank. However, this cost has to be revised given the increased services and material costs.
The implementation of Component 1 will be managed by the National Highway Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Communications, Government of Pakistan. This component is divided into two parts: (i) the design and construction of the Peshawar-Torkham Expressway and (ii) the design and construction of the Peshawar Southern Link Road.
The NHA seeks to hire an Environmental Specialist for the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor Project (KPEC). The contract will last for two years. Interested and qualified environmental specialists are invited to submit their applications by December 6, 2024.
