Taftan-Quetta Road project: Rs 8.85 billion revised PC-1 sent for CDWP approval

The National Highways Authority (NHA) Executive Board has recommended "PC-1 for construction of Naukundi-Mashkel Road (103 kms) Taftan-Quetta Road project" at a rationalized cost of Rs8.85 billion for approval of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP).

According to official documents, Captain Sikander Qayyum (Retired), chairman, NHA presided over the executive board meeting.

The board recommended "PC-1 for construction of Naukundi-Mashkel Road (103 kms) Taftan-Quetta Road Project" as deposit work at a rationalised cost of Rs8.85b by excluding the NHA establishment charges at the rate of one percent of the project cost, having an economic internal rate

of return (EIRR) of 9.20 percent for approval of the CDWP.

The board also recommended the PC-I for construction of new bridge on River Chenab between Shujaabad and Khangarh project at a cost of Rs.9.56 billion as deposit work of Government of the Punjab having an EIRR of 17.35 percent for approval of the CDWP.

The board constituted a committee comprising chief (NTRC) and GM (RAMD) NHA to conduct a study for developing a tolling model for determination and revision of per km toll rates on various highways, motorways and expressways.

The committee will be responsible to submit its report/recommendations within 15 days to the board.

The board directed to make amendments in the NHA code to cover toll rates on motorways.

The board further directed to submit revised estimates 2019-2020 by the end of May, 2020 whereas, budget estimates of 2020-2021 should be presented preferably before June 30, 2020.