The National Highways Authority (NHA) has recently approved the award of works for the “Dualisation and Improvement of Existing N-50 from Yarik-Sagu-Zhob: Package-I: Yarik-Sagu (50 Km)” to the engineers of (National Logistics Cell) NLC at an evaluated bid price of Rs 22.837 billion.
The NHA Executive Board made the decision based on the cost-reimbursable (CSR-2014) evaluation method and the proposed project is now subject to approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).Additionally, the Board recommended the revised PC-I for “Dualisation & Improvement of Existing N-50 from Yarik-Sagu-Zhob including Zhob Bypass of 210 km” at a cost of Rs 81.310 billion for Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) approval. The project was recommended based on the cost calculated by the consultant, National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK).
The Board also has approved the award of works for the “Construction of Gawdar-Ratodero Road (M-8) Balance Works of Package-III” to Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), with the directive to obtain a rebate from FWO if the bid price exceeds 25% above the engineer’s estimate.
The Board has also directed the discontinuation of the practice of preparing umbrella (global) PC-I. The Road Asset Management Division (RAMD) is in the process of preparing the Annual Maintenance Plan for the NHA fiscal year 2022-23, with stakeholder consultation meetings held in Lahore and Karachi. The meetings were attended by representatives from NHA, NHMP, academia, road user associations, goods carriers, and truck drivers’ associations, among others.
During the meetings, representatives from truck drivers and cargo owners’ associations expressed their support for the implementation of axle load limits as defined in the National Highway Safety Ordinance 2000. They even hinted at the possibility of approaching the court of law in case of non-implementation by NHA and NHMP. The Board unanimously decided to implement the permissible load limits and directed the concerned offices to immediately launch a campaign for awareness among road users.
Briefly, the National Highway Authority’s (NHA’s) Executive Board has made multiple important decisions that will have an impact on the development and improvement of existing highways in Pakistan. The approved projects will not only improve the infrastructure but also promote safe and efficient road travel for all.