MANILA, Philippines: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted approval for a $250 million loan to enhance electricity reliability in Pakistan by expanding and upgrading the power transmission network in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
The Power Transmission Strengthening Project aims to bolster the stability of the national grid by increasing transmission capacity.
The initiative involves the expansion of high-voltage transmission networks, including 500 kilovolt (kV) and 220 kV transmission lines loops, and the reduction of transmission losses in Lahore city, Punjab, through the replacement of outdated transmission lines.
ADB’s Director General for Central and West Asia, Yevgeniy Zhukov, emphasized the importance of reliable power supply for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, providing economic opportunities to rural communities.
The project aligns with ADB’s ongoing support to the National Transmission & Despatch Company Limited (NTDC) to enhance energy security, climate resilience, and transmission capacity for clean and cost-effective energy.
Additionally, the initiative will focus on improving NTDC’s project and financial management and incorporating climate resilience into planning and operations. ADB aims to promote gender equality and women’s participation in the energy sector by developing mentorship guidelines, conducting awareness campaigns, establishing childcare centers, and providing technical training to female NTDC staff.
The project also includes livelihood skills development for women in project areas and training for local communities to respond to climate-induced natural hazards. Pakistan, a founding member of ADB, has received over $52 billion in ADB financing since 1966 to promote inclusive economic growth and improve infrastructure, energy and food security, transport networks, and social services.
ADB remains committed to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia-Pacific region while working to eradicate extreme poverty.”
