Senate committee questions changes to testing rules for Dasu-Islamabad transmission project

The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has questioned changes made by the National Grid Company (NGC) to the type-testing

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has questioned changes made by the National Grid Company (NGC) to the type-testing requirements for the 765kV Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project, raising concerns that the revised requirements could potentially benefit a contractor previously disqualified from the project.

The matter came under discussion during a meeting of the committee held at Parliament House and chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro. Senators Hidayat Ullah Khan, Rubina Khalid, Kamil Ali Agha and Kamran Murtaza also participated in the meeting.

The committee reviewed progress on recommendations issued during its earlier meetings held on August 24, September 4 and September 14 concerning the 765kV Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project and other issues related to the power sector.

During the meeting, members sought updates regarding action taken against consultants and contractors associated with the project. They also questioned delays and other administrative issues that have affected implementation of the transmission line.

Officials briefed the committee that the project comprises 88 towers. Payments had reportedly been made for eight towers, and construction work had commenced on those towers. However, progress concerning the remaining 80 towers was still under discussion.

Committee Chairman Senator Saifullah Abro directed the relevant authorities to provide demand notices concerning the remaining 80 towers. He also sought details regarding the status of necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs) and asked officials to explain what measures were being taken to address the outstanding issues.

The committee separately examined the issue of payments pending to the executing agency responsible for Lots I to IV of the 765kV Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project. Members stressed the need to resolve financial and administrative matters to prevent further delays in implementation of the major transmission project.

For this purpose, the committee sought detailed briefings from the Secretaries of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue and the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The officials were asked to provide information about the pending payments and explain the issues contributing to delays in the release of funds.

The testing requirements set by the National Grid Company also came under detailed scrutiny. Members questioned why the type-testing criteria had been changed and sought clarification about the circumstances surrounding the revision.

According to the discussion during the committee meeting, the revised requirements could potentially create an advantage for a contractor who had earlier been disqualified from the project. Senators therefore sought a clear explanation from the National Grid Company regarding the basis, procedure and justification for changing the technical requirements.

The committee also requested information about the performance and responsibilities of consultants and contractors involved in the project. Members sought details of any action taken against individuals or entities considered responsible for delays or other implementation-related issues.

The committee’s discussion placed the 765kV Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project under scrutiny on several fronts, including technical testing requirements, contractor eligibility, pending payments, tower construction, NOCs and administrative delays.

The Senate committee directed the relevant ministries and the National Grid Company to provide detailed information and explanations on the issues raised, with members stressing the need for greater clarity and timely resolution of outstanding matters surrounding the project.