Pakistan builds 'South Asia’s longest' river bridge

Pakistan is constructing the Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge in Sindh province, which is set to become the longest river bridge in South Asia. Spanning 12.5 kilometers, the project is expected to be completed by 2028 at an estimated cost of Rs30.5 billion, according to a senior Sindh government official.

Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh on Investment and Public-Private Partnership, stated that construction has been underway at full pace for the past two years.

The bridge, located at a junction connecting the provinces of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan, is aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and promoting economic activity.

Once completed, the bridge will reduce travel time across the river from 2.5 hours to just 15 minutes. It is also expected to help address security challenges in the underdeveloped “katcha” areas along the riverbanks, which are often affected by law and order issues and incidents of kidnapping.

Qamar highlighted that while Ghotki has seen some industrial development, Kandhkot remains underdeveloped. The bridge is expected to generate employment opportunities and support economic upliftment in the area.

During a recent meeting with members of the business community, the Sindh government also presented a portfolio of infrastructure and development projects worth over Rs616 billion, covering sectors such as transport, education, healthcare, and special economic zones.