Timely completion of projects: NHA restrained by lack of planning, meagre funds

Lack of planning and meager funds restrain National Highway Authority (NHA) to complete its project in time, besides it also increases cost of projects, said Federal Minister for Communications Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan. "NHA has portfolio of Rs 750 billion all over Pakistan, but the available budgetary allocations do not match its portfolio. Average allocations of 20-25 billion per annum do not enable NHA to complete its project in time," the Minister said while addressing the 26th meeting of National Highway Council (NHC) here on Wednesday.
Arbab Alamgir said that a planned priority of projects was needed to be implemented in letter and spirit to ensure timely realisation of the projects. Secretary Communications Anwaar Ahmed Khan said that NHA had the capacity to complete National Highway Network projects within the PSDP allocation. The projects outside National Highway Network exert pressure on the budgetary allocation through diversion of funds towards those projects. He proposed that NHA should be given additional budget for such schemes so that the progress of on-going projects goes unhindered.
The meeting discussed matters relating to revenue generation and called for increasing the revenue generation to make the organisation self-sufficient. The Federal Minister proposed that a dedicated separate revenue department should be created within NHA. Chairman NHA said that a committee had been formed to discuss the matter and it would submit its report within two weeks.
The NHC took a policy decision on construction of 4-lane bridges across major rivers to provide better access keeping in view the increasing volume of traffic and economic activity. Secretary Communications said that the Prime Minister had also approved the proposal. He also quoted the construction of Thakot Bridge and Khushalgarh Bridge which would give impetus to economic activity in the area. Secretary Planning said that cost effectiveness of each bridge should be taken into account while making such decisions. Provision of more 2-lane bridges, than a single 4-lane bridge may facilitate more people, he added. National Highway Council approved the policy that by-passes on National Highways should be assets of NHA but the maintenance work may be awarded to the local administration. The NHC comprises Minister for Communications, Secretary Communications, Secretary Finance Division, Secretary Planning & Development Division, Highway Construction & Management Professional, Finance & Accounts Professional & Chairman NHA.