The cost of the Tarbela 5th Extension Project has increased sharply. The revised estimate now stands at Rs. 316 billion.
The project was initially approved at a cost of Rs. 82 billion. The latest revision adds Rs. 234 billion to the original estimate.
This represents an increase of around 282 percent. The major rise has raised concerns about project management and oversight.
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council approved the revised project cost. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired the ECNEC meeting.
The committee approved 16 development projects with a combined estimated cost of Rs. 1.15 trillion. The approved package includes infrastructure, development and education projects.
The Tarbela extension project has faced several delays and challenges. Questions have also been raised about its management and supervision.
An inquiry previously examined the collapse of the project’s downstream cofferdam. The investigation linked the failure to several administrative and technical issues.
According to the inquiry, a design modification contributed to the failure. Inadequate supervision was also identified as a factor.
The report further pointed to delays in administrative action. It did not attribute the collapse to flooding.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal had also expressed concerns about the project. His concerns included management, transparency and oversight.
The Finance Ministry separately sought an explanation for the large increase. Officials also requested details about the project’s repayment mechanism.
The project is being financed through international lenders. This has increased the importance of understanding how the additional costs will be repaid.
Despite the concerns, ECNEC approved the revised cost. The decision allows the project to proceed under the updated financial estimate.
The meeting also approved several major infrastructure projects. These included the Lahore-Sahiwal-Bahawalnagar Motorway.
The motorway has an estimated cost of Rs. 407 billion. Its original 295-kilometre alignment was retained.
The first section will cover 18.5 kilometres. It will connect Lahore Ring Road with Raja Jang Interchange.
The first section was approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 49 billion. Other road projects were also included in the ECNEC package.
The Khwazakhela-Besham Expressway received approval at Rs. 116.6 billion. A separate Rs. 29 billion project will improve connectivity between Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
The Rathoa Haryam Bridge was also approved. Its revised cost stands at Rs. 10.8 billion.
The bridge originally had an estimated cost of Rs. 1.4 billion. The increase represents another significant rise among the approved projects.
ECNEC also approved a wastewater treatment project in Lahore. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs. 56.6 billion.
A poverty alleviation program covering 10 southern Punjab districts received Rs. 29.7 billion. The committee also approved Rs. 10.6 billion for the Fulbright scholarship program.
Overall, the 16 approved projects carry an estimated cost of Rs. 1.15 trillion. Around Rs. 320 billion represents additional costs linked to delays and price increases.
The revised Tarbela project remains one of the major developments in the approved package. Its substantial cost increase has attracted attention due to previous project concerns.
The government has approved the revised estimate despite questions about oversight and financing. Future progress will depend on project implementation and financial management.
In other related news also read Tarbela Dam Reaches Full Capacity Amid Heavy Rainfall
The development highlights the challenges facing large infrastructure projects in Pakistan. Rising costs and delays can significantly increase the financial burden on public development programs.
