Background
Prior to the construction of the Makran Coastal Highway in 2004, the port city of Karachi was linked to the port town of Gwadar via an uncarpeted "jeep" or "dirt" track. The journey between Karachi and Gwadar used to take at least two days and took a heavy toll on the "wear and tear" of vehicles. It was considered preferable to take the safer but longer route via Quetta.
After completion of the Makran Coastal Highway, the average journey time between Karachi and Gwadar has been reduced to only 6 to 7 hours and transportation costs have also been reduced.
The Makran Coastal Highway was conceived and built by the Government of Pakistan with the following objectives:
- To develop infrastructure and boost economic activity in the areas along Pakistan's coastline
- To improve the transportation and communications infrastructure in Balochistan province
- To develop the coastal towns of Ormara, Pasni and Gwadar into major port cities
- To link Ormara, Pasni and Gwadar with the rest of Pakistan's national highways network
- To develop the seafood industry along Pakistan's coastline by reducing the time and costs involved in transporting fresh seafood from seafood catchment areas to major cities in Pakistan as well as export processing zones in Karachi and Gwadar
Read more about this topic: Makran Coastal Highway
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