CPEC has completed 45 projects across energy, infrastructure and development, while several major schemes remain delayed by financing and administrative hurdles.
As many as 45 projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have been completed with a combined investment of $25.61 billion, covering major areas of Pakistan’s energy, transport and economic development sectors.
Of the completed projects, 17 are in the energy sector, 15 are related to infrastructure and 13 focus on economic and social development.
Major Energy Projects Completed
Several large-scale power projects have been completed under CPEC, contributing to Pakistan’s electricity generation capacity.
The Sahiwal and Port Qasim coal-fired power plants were completed at a combined cost of about $1.91 billion.
The 884-megawatt Suki Kinari Hydropower Project in Kaghan was another major addition to the country’s energy infrastructure. The project was completed with an estimated investment of $1.99 billion and added renewable power generation capacity to the national grid.
Major Infrastructure Developments
CPEC has also delivered major transport projects designed to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of passengers and freight.
The 392-kilometer Multan-Sukkur Motorway, or M-5, was completed at a cost of approximately $2.8 billion. The motorway forms an important part of Pakistan’s north-south road network.
In Lahore, the 27-kilometer Orange Line Metro Train project was completed at a cost of about $1.6 billion, providing a mass-transit connection for commuters in the provincial capital.
Key CPEC Projects Remain Delayed
Despite the completion of dozens of projects, several major CPEC schemes continue to face delays due to financing constraints, regulatory approvals, procedural hurdles and implementation challenges.
The 1,733-kilometer Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project remains stalled as authorities work through issues involving financial arrangements and required approvals. The project is considered strategically important for upgrading Pakistan’s railway infrastructure and improving freight and passenger connectivity.
The 43-kilometer Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) has also faced delays after being shifted to the Public-Private Partnership model. Government documents indicate that consultations and procedural requirements have affected progress.
Gwadar Projects Face Delays
Several development projects in Gwadar have also experienced slow implementation. The Gwadar Hospital and Vocational Institute were affected by restrictions and disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed construction and execution.
Meanwhile, work on the 210-kilometer Dera Ismail Khan-Zhob Highway was halted following a decision regarding its financing mechanism.
The completion of 45 projects highlights significant progress across CPEC’s energy, infrastructure and development portfolios. However, delays affecting major schemes such as ML-1 and KCR underscore the financial and administrative challenges involved in executing large-scale infrastructure projects.
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