[Date: 31st May, 2025]
On May 31, 2025, a significant milestone was marked for the 132/220kV Gorkin-Matiltan Transmission Line (GMTL) Project with a site visit by Mr. Luqman Hakeem, Senior Planning Officer, Energy & Power Department and Acting CEO of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transmission & Grid System Company (KPT&GSC). The visit aimed to evaluate the ongoing progress, address challenges, and ensure alignment with project timelines and quality standards.
Welcoming and Briefing Session
The visit commenced with a warm reception by PEDO officials, followed by a detailed briefing session. The project team from PEDO presented the current status of the project, outlined key ongoing activities, and highlighted actionable plans to accelerate development.
Key Issues Discussed and Directives Issued
During the progress review meeting chaired by the CEO (A), several critical areas of the project were discussed:
1. Right of Way (ROW)
- Multiple meetings have been held with local stakeholders since April 11, 2024.
- The Chair advised the contractor to hire a retired local patwari within a week and form a 4-5 member committee to assess land value and facilitate compensation.
2. Survey and Route Alignment
- Progress stands at 1.77% against a 3% target; total project progress is 6.58% versus the planned 20.45%.
- The Chair expressed concern over the delay and instructed the contractor to submit an action plan to accelerate work.
3. Contour and Foundation Design
- Most designs have been submitted to the Management Consultant (MC) but are pending approval due to chimney extension proposals.
- The Consultant was directed to review and comment or approve the designs within 7 days.
4. Access Roads
- Construction is active at Tower Nos. 147, 143, 93, and 90 with 2.4% progress against a 13% target.
- The Chair emphasized strict adherence to HSE protocols and mandated the presence of HSE personnel at all times.
5. Material Procurement
- Achieved progress is 4.81% compared to a planned 17.45%.
- The Chair urged immediate action to fast-track procurement activities.
6. PESCO Network Upgradation
- The 132kV double circuit line between Madyan and Khwazakhela Grid Stations is still under discussion with PESCO.
- The Chair highlighted the criticality of this line for evacuating power from the 84MW Matiltan Hydropower Project and urged regular follow-up with PESCO leadership.
Collaborative Oversight and Coordination
The meeting included representation from all key stakeholders — PEDO, BARQAAB (Consultants), and M/S NETRACON (Contractors). The collaborative environment reinforced the collective commitment to resolving bottlenecks and pushing for tangible progress.
Moving Forward
This site visit by the CEO (A) signifies a proactive approach toward strategic project execution. The firm directions and immediate deadlines set during the meeting underline a clear objective: to streamline efforts and expedite project delivery while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
As the GMTL project continues, KPT&GSC remains committed to transparent governance, stakeholder coordination, and sustainable energy infrastructure development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
CEO’s Directives
The CEO emphasized:
“This flagship project demonstrates our commitment to modernizing KP’s power infrastructure. All teams must maintain the highest quality standards while adhering to the December 2026 completion target.”
Acknowledgements
KPT&GSC acknowledges the strong collaboration with:
- PEDO technical teams
- Local communities
- Contractors and regulatory authorities
Project Snapshot
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 40km |
| Voltage | 132kV |
| Towers | 171 (Double Circuit) |
| Districts Served | Swat |
| Completion Target | December 2026 |
