PKR 166bn Punjab Development Program kicks off

Lahore: Development work under the first phase of the Punjab Development Programme (PDP) will begin on December 19, with major projects scheduled for completion by June 30, 2026, according to an official briefing given to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

During a progress review meeting, the chief minister was informed that projects worth PKR 166 billion have been approved under Phase-I of the programme, which carries a total outlay of PKR 304 billion. The approved projects include the upgradation of streets, parks, and sewerage and drainage systems across 52 cities in Punjab.

Officials reported that 50 tenders have been issued so far, of which 10 have been finalized, paving the way for the commencement of PKR 53.5 billion worth of development work in the coming days.

The chief minister directed authorities to prioritise the rehabilitation of severely damaged neighbourhoods and emphasized completing drainage works before the monsoon season to help mitigate urban flooding.

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Under the programme, 3,497 km of sewerage lines will be laid, 181 km of drainage networks developed, and 56 new disposal stations constructed. Another 61 existing disposal stations will be upgraded, increasing overall water-handling capacity to 2,114 cusecs.

Phase-I of the PDP covers cities including Burewala, Khanewal, Lalamusa, Mailsi, Sillanwali, Vehari, Attock, Layyah, Alipur, and Jaranwala, where PKR 53 billion worth of projects will be initiated immediately.

The development programme will later expand to additional cities, where the remaining components of the PKR 304 billion plan—focused on sewerage, drainage, street rehabilitation, and park upgrades—will be executed.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the initiative would bring visible improvements to urban living standards and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to ensuring uniform development across all districts of Punjab.