Highway projects worth Rs60bn in the offing

Federal govt decides to launch several schemes on BOT basis in next fiscal

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to initiate several highway projects costing around Rs60 billion on the basis of construct, run and transfer (BOT) in the next financial year.

These projects include the conversion of Karachi Northern Bypass from a two-way lane to six-way, expansion of Swat Expressway from Chakdara to Bagh Dheri and the construction of eight highways.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) will expand Swat Expressway from Chardar to Bagh Dheri. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs36 billion. The land for the project will be purchased at a price of Rs20 billion.

The total cost will come up to Rs56 billion. It is recommended that Rs20 billion be allocated in the upcoming budget for the project.

The motorway from Kharian to Rawalpindi will converted into a two-way lane on the basis of BOT at a cost of Rs57 million.

The conversion of Karachi Northern Bypass from a two-way lane to six-way will also be carried out on the basis of BOT.

A sum of Rs1.35 billion will be allocated for the project. Land will be bought at a cost of Rs1.3 billion and Rs50 million will spent on its feasibility study. Overall, the project will cost Rs13 billion.

The conversion of Sambrial-Kharian Road two-way has also been recommended at a cost of Rs40 billion.

A feasibility study for restoration of the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman Road has also been recommended.