Development: ‘Use of modern technology will help highways’

NHA chief hopes to bring network at par with that of developed countries.

ISLAMABAD:

National Highway Authority (NHA) Chairman Shahid Ashraf Tarrar said on Wednesday that the use of modern technology, sophisticated machinery and latest software is required to lay an efficient and state-of-the-art highway network and to help ensure cost-effective repair-and-maintenance mechanism for the highways.

The NHA chairman said that the authority intended to bring the country at par with developed countries in providing travel facilities to the public. He expressed these views in his address while inspecting a Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) provided.

Construction experts, general managers and consultants were also present on the occasion. While briefing, the participants said that Pakistan enjoys a prominent place in South Asia with regards to its highways and with the aid of HWD machinery, they will be able to take care of our highways in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

It was told that the NHA spends Rs25 billion every year on repairs and maintenance of its highways and with HWD technology, Pakistan will achieve a prominent place in South Asia, they added.

The chairman further urged the contractors and NHA experts to make HWD technology an integral part of the ongoing and future projects of NHA. While expressing his approval for the purchase of latest computer software and equipment for measuring axle-load, the chief ordered setting up of a high-powered committee, instructing it to submit its recommendations within 15 days.

“By virtue of this modern machinery, the NHA will be able to provide technical expertise to various other construction organizations of the country,” Tarrar concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2014.

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