China playing a crucial role in construction of Gwadar
International Airport
China is playing a crucial role in transforming the port city of
Gwadar in southern Pakistan into an economic powerhouse through joint
initiatives. One of the significant projects under this collaboration is the
construction of the Gwadar International Airport, which was inaugurated in
March 2019 and is now approaching completion. The China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) envisions this airport as a key element in facilitating global
connectivity for Gwadar, contributing to the city's pivotal role in Pakistan's
economic growth.
The airport, managed by the China Airport Construction Group,
covers an expansive 18 square kilometers, making it the second-largest airport
in Pakistan. The Chinese government has provided support through a grant to
realize the New Gwadar International Airport Project. Despite facing challenges
such as adverse weather, environmental factors, and resource shortages, the
construction team has worked tirelessly, emphasizing a close collaboration with
the local community.
Government
to expand Gwadar Eastbay Expressway to connect to New Gwadar International
Airport
Ziauddin Salman, Chief Engineer at the National Engineering
Services, Pakistan, emphasizes the anticipated positive impact of the airport
on the region's development, especially in fostering cross-border trade. The
project is viewed as integral to Balochistan's overall infrastructure
improvement, designed as a state-of-the-art greenfield facility prioritizing
operational safety, passenger comfort, and convenience.
The airport site, spanning 4,300 acres, features a runway capable
of accommodating large aircraft and a modern terminal building covering 14,000
square meters. The East Bay Expressway, a six-lane, 19-km expressway funded by
the Chinese government, serves as a vital link, connecting the airport and free
zone to the national highway network. This expressway is expected to facilitate
seamless logistics for the import, export, and transit of goods.
New
Gwadar International Airport opening postponed by an additional six months
Aamir Ali Hashmi, Project Coordinator at the Civil Aviation
Authority of the New Gwadar International Airport, provides insights into the
progress, highlighting the completion of the apron and its capacity to
accommodate five aircraft.
With an estimated cost of $246 million, the airport is scheduled
for completion in mid-2024. This milestone not only represents a significant
advancement in CPEC but also underscores the collaborative efforts of China and
Pakistan in driving infrastructure development and economic growth in the
region. The Gwadar International Airport stands as a symbol of a new era for
air travel in Pakistan, reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two
nations.
Source: https://news.cgtn.com/