Rs 644bn Balochistan Highway Projects Due by 2028

This report is based on a source report.

Ten highway projects now under construction in Balochistan carry a combined approved cost of Rs 644.06 billion, and their completion dates stretch from 2026 to 2028. According to a source report, the work is aimed at improving movement between major cities, border routes and remote districts where road travel can still be slow and difficult. For background, read our earlier coverage: NHA Seeks Foreign Experts for Highway Safety Design.

For drivers, transporters and freight operators, the key point is timing. Some sections are already close to completion, while others are still at an early stage. That means the benefits will not arrive all at once.

Three projects are nearest to completion

According to the source report, three schemes are scheduled to finish by December 2026:

• Quetta Western Bypass on N-25: 22.7 km, Rs 6.89 billion, 85% complete, target November 2026

• Nokundi-Mashkel Road: 103 km, Rs 7.71 billion, 79% complete, target December 2026

• Jhal Jhao-Bela Road: 79.89 km, Rs 16.22 billion, 70% complete, target December 2026

These are the projects most likely to bring early relief for travellers, since they are already far ahead in physical progress. Even so, target dates are schedules, not guarantees, and work on the ground can still change.

N-25 remains the main connectivity corridor

A large share of the investment is going into N-25, the road link that connects Karachi, Quetta and Chaman. According to the source report, three major N-25 sections are underway:

• Khuzdar-Kuchlak: 330.52 km, Rs 98.90 billion, 61% complete, target December 2027

• Karachi-Kararo and Wadh-Khuzdar: 273 km, Rs 183.42 billion, 19% complete, target December 2027

• Kararo-Wadh and Kuchlak-Chaman: 187 km, Rs 132.75 billion, 22% complete, target December 2027

The two lower-progress sections may take longer to show clear benefits for road users, even though both still carry a December 2027 deadline. For freight traffic, the upgrade matters because N-25 is a key route for passenger movement, goods transport and border access.

N-50 work stretches into 2028

The longest timeline in the package is on N-50. According to the source report, two sections are still moving ahead:

• Yarik-Sagu to Zhob, including the Zhob Bypass: Rs 76.49 billion, 2% complete, target November 2027

• Kuchlak-Zhob: 305 km, Rs 63.60 billion, 16% complete, target June 2028

These figures show why construction delays, diversions and phased openings matter for motorists. A project can stay on schedule in planning terms but still take time before drivers feel the full benefit.

For background on how road spending is being discussed in national planning, see Budget 2026: Key Highway Projects for Pakistan.

M-8 and other links are also part of the plan

Two more projects are moving ahead on and around the M-8 corridor:

• Awaran-Naal section of M-8: 168 km, Rs 32.24 billion, 52% complete, target June 2027

• Hoshab-Awaran Road: 146 km, Rs 25.84 billion, 64% complete, target June 2027

According to the source report, these roads should help improve access between population centres and give freight operators more reliable routes through southern Balochistan.

What drivers should expect

The biggest change from this program will likely come in stages, not in one sudden step. Travellers may see:

• shorter and safer long-distance trips once sections open

• better road surfaces on key corridors

• improved freight movement between Karachi, Quetta, Chaman, Zhob and Awaran

• temporary disruption during construction, including dust, slow traffic and diversions

For now, motorists should treat completion dates as planning targets. It is still wise to allow extra time on active work zones and keep vehicles ready for long rural journeys.

The Rs 644.06 billion highway plan is a major long-term push for Balochistan, but the real impact will depend on how steadily the projects move through 2026, 2027 and 2028.

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