The Keti Bandar Port Phase-I development has been estimated to cost around $522.34 million, with the first stage of the proposed project featuring a 500-metre multi-purpose terminal as part of a new deep-water maritime gateway in Sindh.
The estimated cost was disclosed during a presentation by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) on the proposed development of Keti Bandar Port. The Chinese company presented a Conceptual Master Plan outlining a deep-water maritime gateway with multiple terminals, logistics facilities and supporting infrastructure.
The proposed project is being considered as a major maritime and economic development initiative in Sindh. The Federal Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Sindh government have agreed to pursue the development of the port.
Keti Bandar Port Phase-I Includes 500-Metre Quay
According to the Conceptual Master Plan presented by CHEC, the first phase of the project will include a multi-purpose terminal with a 500-metre quay.
The preliminary engineering cost for this phase has been estimated at approximately $522.34 million.
The proposed terminal would form part of a broader deep-water port complex designed to include multiple terminals, logistics facilities and other supporting infrastructure. The development could eventually increase Pakistan’s maritime handling capacity and provide an additional gateway for trade.
CHEC’s delegation included Wu Ping, Chief Representative of CHEC in Pakistan, Wang Zongde, Head of the Marketing Department, Engineer Xu Tielin and Raza, General Manager of Strategy and Marketing.
The presentation provided an initial framework for the development of the proposed port, while further technical studies and planning are expected to determine the project’s final scope, cost and implementation structure.
Zardari Calls For Integrated Port Development
President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the Chinese delegation and appreciated China’s continued interest in supporting Pakistan’s infrastructure and maritime development.
The president stressed that Keti Bandar Port should not be developed as an isolated maritime facility. Instead, he called for an integrated approach that links the port with reliable road connectivity, electricity and water supplies, industrial infrastructure and other essential facilities.
According to the president, dependable supporting infrastructure will be crucial to ensuring that the proposed port can operate efficiently and contribute to wider economic activity.
Road connectivity, in particular, would be important for linking the port with industrial areas, markets and other parts of Pakistan’s transportation network. Similarly, reliable power and water supplies would be required for port operations and the development of associated industrial and logistics facilities.
An integrated approach could also help maximise the economic benefits of the proposed project by creating stronger links between maritime trade, logistics and industrial activity.
Proposed Port Could Strengthen Trade Network
President Zardari said Keti Bandar had significant potential to become an additional maritime gateway for Pakistan.
He said the project could strengthen the country’s port and logistics network while supporting greater trade and regional connectivity.
The development of another deep-water maritime gateway could provide additional opportunities for cargo movement and logistics activity. However, the project’s eventual impact will depend on the development of supporting infrastructure and the establishment of an effective commercial and operational framework.
The president emphasised the need for close technical coordination between CHEC and relevant Pakistani authorities to ensure that the project is planned and developed effectively.
He also called for continued engagement to refine the Conceptual Master Plan and determine an appropriate implementation and financing framework.
The financing structure will be particularly important given the preliminary $522.34 million engineering cost for Phase-I. Further assessments will be required to determine the overall investment requirements for the complete port and associated infrastructure.
Environmental Protection Highlighted
President Zardari also placed strong emphasis on environmental sustainability during the proposed development of Keti Bandar Port.
He called for the protection of the fragile Indus Delta ecosystem, highlighting the environmental sensitivity of the area.
The president also stressed the need to protect the interests and livelihoods of local fishing communities. The proposed port development will therefore need to balance economic and maritime objectives with environmental safeguards and the concerns of communities that depend on coastal resources.
Detailed environmental and technical assessments are expected to play an important role as the project moves forward.
Pakistan And China Continue Port Development Cooperation
The Keti Bandar project reflects continued cooperation between Pakistan and China in infrastructure and maritime development.
CHEC’s presentation of the Conceptual Master Plan provides an initial framework for developing the proposed deep-water gateway, but further technical work will be required before construction and financing arrangements are finalised.
The next stages are expected to focus on refining the master plan, assessing infrastructure requirements, determining the financing model and establishing an implementation framework.
With Phase-I estimated at $522.34 million, the proposed Keti Bandar Port represents a significant infrastructure investment. If developed with adequate connectivity, supporting facilities and environmental safeguards, the project could eventually strengthen Sindh’s maritime infrastructure and expand Pakistan’s capacity for trade and logistics.