Frontier Works Organization (FWO)

Frontier Works Organization (FWO) is a Strategic Formation of the Army and a leading infrastructure development firm of Pakistan. It is 23% of the size of the Corps of Engineers in terms of manpower, but holding almost 4 times more heavy construction equipment. In 2016 FWO celebrated the Golden Jubilee - 50 years of Journey of Excellence. During the last half a century, FWO has matured into the country's most reputed, multidimensional and professional construction outfit. The organization owes its birth to the conception of one of the most ambitious road projects - Construction of Karakoram Highway (KKH) through the unsurpassed mountains. The organization has taken several initiatives towards strengthening Pakistan’s communication infrastructure and can proudly claim to be the pioneer of the Built, Operate & Transfer (BOT) Regime in Pakistan. In the last three years or so, FWO has taken considerable initiative and leaps to transform into a true corporate enterprise with strategic outlook and international outreach while maintaining a fine balance to preserve. Success of FWO in evolving as a leading trans-national construction organization can be attributed to transformation into Bipolar Regime, which is the Military - Civil form of organizational ensemble.
This model allows organizational discipline and good management besides introducing innovation, new trends and efficient skill levels, allowing FWO to be a unique trendsetter. FWO has always played a pivotal role as first responder to various disasters and emergencies. May it be earthquakes, floods or formation of accidental lakes like Attabad or glaciated land sliding in Gyari, FWO has been in the forefront in rescue and relief efforts and rehabilitation of infrastructure. FWO is presently working on a large number of projects worth Rs. 600 Billion. Overall financial outlay of on-going projects has increased phenomenally in the last three years from Rs. 193 Billion to Rs. 600 Billion. FWO has been declared as Best Infrastructure Development Organization for the Year 2016, during 29th Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) International Achievement Award 2016 held at Dubai. FWO is making concerted efforts to gainfully exploit the opportunities afforded by CPEC. Visible Operationalization of CPEC through the first ever mega trade convoy from Kashgar to Gwadar, planned and organized by FWO was one of such initiatives.

LANDMARK ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Thermal Power Station Muzaffargarh
• Road Mansehra - Naran – Jalkhad
• Road Torkham-Jalalabad
• Skardu Airfield
• Lakpass & Jandola Tunnels
• Khanpur Dam & Rehabilitation of Sukkur Barrage
• Demining & Rehabilitation Works in Kuwait
• Makran Coastal Highway

Current focus of FWO is development of Frontier Regions, strengthening BOT Regime, Overseas Projects, diversification to develop indigenous expertise in certain critical sectors to further contribute in national pursuits and exploiting opportunities afforded by CPEC to realize the true potential.

OVERSEAS PROJECTS:

UAE:

On the Overseas Front, FWO has well established itself in the UAE. Our first project at Dubai was completed well before the stipulated timeline and work on four other projects is underway while a number of additional projects are at advanced stages of acquisition.

AFGHANISTAN:

In Afghanistan, FWO has been entrusted with dualization of Road Torkham - Jalalabad which was earlier constructed by FWO few years back and work is underway - despite serious security challenges.

PROJECTS:

Dhana Irrigation Scheme (SWA): The project was awarded to FWO in Feb 2013. Located a few kms east of Wana-Angoor Adda Road (SWA) near Sholam, its main purpose is to harness seasonal runoff to provide additional water for irrigation. However, it will not only provide portable water to the locals of the area but will also conserve and recharge ground water tables. It has a main weir which is 150 meter wide and two main canals on the Right and Left Bank. The Right Bank Canal is 4549 meters long with a capacity of 300 cusec. The Left Bank Canal is 4214 meters long with a capacity of 700 cusec. The scheme also helps in checking recurring floods in the area. The project was completed in June 2016.

FATA Bridges:

The roads in FATA were obstructed by the gushing waters of hill torrents and flash floods which caused serious disruption in road movement and loss to commuters. To ensure smooth flow of traffic during all seasons, a number of bridges have been constructed throughout FATA. Prominent amongst these are the Gomal Bridge at the Tank-Gomal-Wana Road and the Jandola Bridge at the Tank-Jandola-Makeen Road. Eight bridges have been constructed over the Bannu-Miranshah-Ghulam Khan Road and Ten over the Miranshah-Razmak-Makeen Road to facilitate all weather traffic.

Peshawar – Torkham Road:

The historic route to Peshawar via Khyber Pass is known as the ‘Doorway of History. This is also the most frequently used route between Pakistan and Afghanistan and bulk of the trade to Kabul passes through this route. Under the project, the existing carriageway was renovated and widened to cater for smooth flow of trade traffic. 46 Km long Peshawar-Torkham Road was inaugurated by the President of Pakistan Mr. Mamnoon Hussain on 27 Aug 2015.

Takhta Baig–Matani Road:

The 27.5 km road originates from Mattani on the Indus Highway and approaches Torkham through a shorter and direct route. It also serves as a bypass to the congested Bara Bazar on the way to Torkham. Governor KPK, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra inaugurated the road on 24 Mar 2016. The Governor lauded overall contributions of FWO for development of the country in general and that of FATA in particular. He further appreciated FWO for the quality of work and timely completion of Road Matani-Takhta Baig.

Jalkhad-Chilas Section, N-15:

The 66 Kilometer two lane highway stretches from Jalkhad to Chilas and constitutes the last part of Mansehra-Naran-Chilas Road. The scenic road traverses through Babusar Top and links Naran Valley with Indus Valley. The Road serves as an alternate route of Karakoram Highway from Mansehra to Chilas. It has reduced the distance from Rawalpindi to Gilgit by 90 Kilometers and cut travel time along the route by 4 hours. The road has been instrumental in bringing a large number of tourists to these beautiful valleys this year.

Nahakki Tunnel, FATA:

The project encompasses construction of a 751 meter long tunnel and 500 meter long access roads through the steep gradient of Nahaki mountains on Ghalanai-Mohmand Ghat Road. Mohmand Agency is known for its high quality marble deposits. Tunnel bypasses a 6 km long road section having extremely repellent geometric design hindering smooth transportation of marble. Commercial activities pertaining to mineral exploitation are likely to increase manifold with construction of this tunnel. Project has been substantially completed and will be opened to traffic shortly.

Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab (M-8):

The 193 km long M-8 traverses through Nalient, Dasht, Turbat and Hoshab. Due to the hostile security environment no other contractor was willing to work on M-8, but FWO mobilized 3 units on all 3 sections of M-8 and completed the project much before the stipulated time. Scope of work also included 47 bridges. The Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab Section of M-8 was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan in Feb 2016. Construction of M-8, N-85 and N-25 will eventually link Gwadar with Quetta on one axis and with Indus Highway on the other axis.

Quba Saeed Khan (QSK) Khuzdar Shadad Kot (M-8) Section-IV Package (V):
FWO has completed 57.77 Km two lane road which stretches from Wangu Hills to Quba Saeed Khan and forms part of Khuzdar-Shahdadkot Road. The new road will cut travel time and boost trade through linking Gwadar Port with Indus Highway. Sorab-Panjgur-Hoshab Road (N-85).

The Gwadar- Quetta Link:

The 448 km Sorab-Panjgur-Hoshab (N-85) connects Quetta with Gwadar Port through N-25 and M-8 respectively, thus forming an important part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s Western Route. The road passes through interior Balochistan that was deprived of the basic facilities of life due to lack of convenient access. The road is vital for the connectivity of Gwadar Port. The law and order situation in the area was not conducive, but FWO accepted the challenge and mobilized at 14 locations to complete the project in the shortest possible time. Project has been substantially completed and open for traffic.

Kalat-Quetta-Chaman Road (N-25). The RCD Highway:
The 230 km road from Kalat to Chaman serves as an important trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The road is 7.3-meter-wide (with 2.5 meter shoulders) to facilitate heavy commercial traffic between the two countries and divided into four sections of which Sections 1 and 3 were completed earlier while Section 2 i.e. KhadKoocha to Quetta (50 km) and Section 4 i.e. Jungle Piralizai to Chaman (57 km) have been completed by FWO. Also known as RCD Highway, this road constitutes the shortest access from Gwadar and Karachi Ports to Kabul.

Chanawan Bridge (Wazirabad):

The bridge was constructed as an emergent work after an accident wherein the old bridge collapsed while a train was crossing over it and resulted in loss of precious lives. The bridge was completed in 2015 in a short span of 4 months.

OPF Housing Scheme Zone-V Islamabad (Package-I):
Motorway culture was introduced in Pakistan with the completion of M-2 in 1998. The rehabilitation due after ten years could not take place and the state of the art project was deteriorating. The contract for rehabilitation and modernization of M2 was awarded to FWO in Dec 2014 on BOT basis through an open international bid by NHA. Although the construction period was three years, FWO completed the overlay in one and a half years. A comprehensive modernization plan is also being implemented to provide maximum facilities to commuters. This includes upgradation of Service Areas, Surveillance Systems and ETTM system etcetera. OPF Valley Zone-V Islamabad is located on Japan Road alongside the Sawan River, about 24 kilometers from Zero Point. The scheme has been planned over an area of 5000 kanals. The Master Plan of the scheme was prepared by NESPAK and approved by CDA. FWO has successfully completed the project during Jan 2016.

Overlay and Modernization of Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2):

Motorway culture was introduced in Pakistan with the completion of M-2 in 1998. The rehabilitation due after ten years could not take place and the state of the art project was deteriorating. The contract for rehabilitation and modernization of M2 was awarded to FWO in Dec 2014 on BOT basis through an open international bid by NHA. Although the construction period was three years, FWO completed the overlay in one and a half years. A comprehensive modernization plan is also being implemented to provide maximum facilities to commuters. This includes upgradation of Service Areas, Surveillance Systems and ETTM system etcetera.

Development Work at DHA Lahore:

Defence Housing Authority Lahore awarded the Development of Infrastructure of Phase - VII (Additional Area) to FWO during August 2012. The project is located in the vicinity of BRB Canal. It includes construction of 61 KM of roads of various dimensions, complete sewerage system including sewerage disposal station, water supply and electrical networks. FWO completed the project during Sep 2016.

ONGOING PROJECTS:

Karachi – Hyderabad Motorway (M-9):

Conversion of existing 4 Lane Superhighway into 6 Lane Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway has been entrusted to FWO on BOT basis for a concession period of 25 years. Project was inaugurated by the Prime Minister and the work is expected to be completed by Oct 2017. The scope of work also includes a 275 km long Service Road, 8 Interchanges, 4 Service Areas, rehabilitation of bridges, an efficient IT system and massive tree plantation and landscaping.

Karachi-Thatta Dual Carriageway:

The existing 2 Lane Karachi – Thatta Road (N-5) is being upgraded into a 4 Lane Dual Carriageway to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas. The 49 km long road along with the existing bridges and culverts will be completely rehabilitated. The project was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Sindh in May 2016. It is the first PPP project being financed under Islamic Finance by a consortium of banks. The project will promote economic and business activity in the region and will become a logistical backbone for the Thar Coal Project.

Lyari Expressway Project:

39 Km road consisting of two bounds on both sides of Lyari Nullah will stretch from Maripur to Sohrab Goth. Project was stopped due to non-availability of the complete site. However, project has been resumed.

Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme K-IV:
RBOD-II is a mega drainage project (273 KM) running along the Right Bank of River Indus. The drain will be connected to RBOD-I at Sehwan and will carry the effluent directly to sea at Gharo. The project commenced in 2001 but could not be executed as envisaged. FWO was incorporated on RBOD-II in Jun 06, on the abandoned project. FWO re-mobilized the contractors on all the earth work packages. Despite numerous constraints like land acquisition, delayed design problems and slow release of funds, FWO has completed 70% work. Phase-I of the project awarded to FWO is designed to supply 260 MGD water to Karachi and envisages construction of two pumping stations, four filtration plants and four storage lagoons. The project will originate from Kinjhar Lake (134 Km from Karachi) passing through different areas of Thatta District, Bin Qasim Town and will terminate at Gaddap Town Karachi. Governor Sindh Dr. Ishratul Ebad and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, formally inaugurated the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme, commonly known as the K-IV on 14 Aug 2016.

Contributions of FWO in Implementation of China - Pakistan Economic Corridor:
While the Corridor is a win-win synergy for both Pakistan and China, it will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity for the 3 billion people of the Region. Gwadar, located at the crossroads of three sub regional systems, bridges the gap for transportation of vital sources of energy and retains a pivotal role in the future economic prospects of 20 countries of Central Asia, South Asia and China by providing economically viable, cost effective and shortest route for transit and supply. CPEC would reduce sea land route distance between Europe and Western China to less than half. I may mention a trial that was conducted last year for transportation of containers from Beijing to Gwadar and Karachi through Sea Route and Land Route through Khunjrab. Containers transported through land route took almost half the time with approximate saving of 7 to 14 Cents per Kg which translates into a saving of over 10 Billion US Dollars per annum on the average. FWO has a vanguard role in implementation of CPEC. While maintenance of KKH by FWO is vital for operationalization of CPEC, M2 and M9 being developed by FWO and construction of over 800 kms of roads in Balochistan constitute part of Eastern and Western routes of CPEC respectively. Meanwhile, FWO has been recently awarded one package of Hakla - DI Khan Motorway from Tarap to Kot Bailian which constitutes part of CPEC Western Route. We have recently mobilized to undertake this project.
The Pilot Project for launching the first ever mega trade convoy during 2016 only became possible with construction of roads in Balochistan by FWO. FWO was entrusted with the responsibility of planning, coordination and execution of the Pilot Mega Trade Convoy. The Chinese convoy commenced on 29 October 2016 from Kashgar, entered Pakistan on 30 October and reached Gwadar on 12 November taking Western Route. Meanwhile, Pakistani trade convoys traveled along Western, Central and Eastern Routes and rail network ML-1 to transport trade goods to Gwadar and Karachi Ports. The project concluded with a ceremony at Gwadar to see off the first cargo ship, carrying trade goods from Gwadar Deep Sea Port.