Sindh plans PPP model to transform Keti Bandar into deep-sea port and economic hub

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the provincial Investment Department to urgently formulate a comprehensive public-private partnership (PPP) framework for transforming Keti Bandar into a modern deep-sea port and a major commercial

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the provincial Investment Department to urgently formulate a comprehensive public-private partnership (PPP) framework for transforming Keti Bandar into a modern deep-sea port and a major commercial, industrial and energy centre.

The directive was issued during a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House on Saturday, where officials discussed a broader plan to develop Sindh’s coastal belt and unlock the economic potential of the Indus Delta.

The proposed project is being planned in line with the vision associated with Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and aims to establish Keti Bandar as an important maritime gateway connecting port operations with industrial, logistics, fisheries and energy-related activities.

Integrated economic corridor planned

Chairing the meeting, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said Keti Bandar should be developed as part of an integrated maritime and economic corridor rather than as a standalone port project.

He directed the relevant departments to prepare detailed proposals covering port infrastructure, industrial estates, transportation and logistics networks, fisheries, energy facilities and tourism.

The chief minister also called for a phased implementation strategy that would identify the project’s immediate, medium-term and long-term development requirements.

According to the proposed plan, the Keti Bandar Integrated Corridor would become a major engine for economic activity, employment generation and investment in Sindh.

The project is also expected to provide a platform for attracting domestic and foreign investors to the province’s coastal areas.

PPP framework to attract private investment

The Sindh government intends to develop the project through a PPP model, allowing private-sector investors to participate in financing, construction, development and operation of various components.

Under the proposed framework, Keti Bandar could eventually host a deep-sea port alongside logistics and warehousing facilities, industrial zones, energy infrastructure, fisheries-related businesses and tourism projects.

The government believes that bringing private capital and expertise into the development process could help accelerate infrastructure construction while reducing the immediate financial burden on the provincial government.

Officials have been directed to develop an investment-oriented model that clearly identifies potential projects, financing requirements, revenue opportunities and possible areas of private-sector participation.

$1 billion to $2.5 billion investment potential

According to the Sindh budget 2026-27, the proposed Keti Bandar Maritime, Fisheries and Petroleum Economic Corridor has an estimated investment potential of between $1 billion and $2.5 billion.

The planned corridor would include a modern fishing harbour, seafood processing and export facilities, petroleum-handling terminals, logistics infrastructure and industrial support zones.

The development of seafood-processing facilities is expected to create opportunities for value addition and increase the potential for exports from Sindh’s coastal areas.

Similarly, improved port and logistics infrastructure could facilitate the movement of goods and provide industries with better access to domestic and international markets.

Keti Bandar as future energy gateway

Chief Minister Shah has also instructed officials to explore the potential of Keti Bandar as a future energy gateway.

The proposed energy infrastructure would include facilities for the import and handling of LNG, RLNG and LPG, along with other supporting infrastructure required for energy-related operations.

The development of such facilities could allow Keti Bandar to play a role in meeting future energy requirements while creating opportunities for investment in storage, transportation and related industries.

A feasibility study has already identified approximately 4,000 acres of land for the proposed development.

Officials have been asked to incorporate the identified land into the broader planning process and determine the infrastructure requirements for different components of the corridor.

Focus on coastal and industrial development

The proposed project is expected to have a broader impact beyond port operations. The provincial government plans to combine maritime infrastructure with industrial development, logistics, fisheries, energy and tourism to create an integrated economic zone.

The Indus Delta and surrounding coastal areas have significant potential for fisheries and other maritime activities, but inadequate infrastructure has historically limited their commercial development.

The government believes that modern transport links, processing facilities, storage infrastructure and port connectivity could help unlock this potential and generate new employment opportunities for local communities.

The development of tourism facilities is also being considered as part of the wider strategy, with officials tasked with identifying suitable investment opportunities along the coastal belt.

Long-term economic vision

The proposed Keti Bandar project forms part of Sindh’s broader ambition to strengthen its position as a maritime and logistics centre in the region.

The provincial government aims to use the coastline’s strategic location to attract investment, expand trade-related infrastructure and promote industrial activity.

For the plan to succeed, however, authorities will need to complete detailed feasibility studies, establish an effective PPP structure, address infrastructure and connectivity requirements and ensure that environmental and coastal considerations are incorporated into the development process.

The chief minister has directed the Investment Department and other relevant agencies to move quickly on the project and prepare a comprehensive roadmap.

If successfully implemented, the Keti Bandar Integrated Corridor could transform the coastal area into a major maritime gateway while creating new opportunities in port operations, logistics, fisheries, energy, manufacturing and tourism.