A design study report for Rs 2.4 billion project has been signed here on Wednesday in order to rehabilitate 96 km long Kararo-Wad section of the ECO highway. The section (Karachi-Quetta-Chaman highway N-25) is a part of the Economic Co-operation Organisation (ECO) highway, which will connect Karachi seaport with Quetta and provide access to Afghanistan via Chaman and onward to Central Asian States.
Ministry of Communications Joint Secretary Firdous Alam, National Highway Authority Chairman Major General Farrukh Javed and Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) team leader Nobuyuki Yamaura signed the Design Study Report of the project.
Federal Communications Secretary Tariq Mehmood and other senior officers of the ministry and NHA were also present on the occasion.
Rehabilitation of 96-km long Kararo-Wad highway will be completed at cost of Rs 2.4 billion out of which the Government of Japan would provide a grant of Rs 2 billion. The project will be completed in about 42-month period that involves major rehabilitation of about 45-km and minor improvement of 51-km highway.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Communications Tariq Mehmud praised the Japanese financial and technical assistance for road building projects in Pakistan. He hoped co-operation in rehabilitation of Kararo-Wad section would bring both friendly countries more closer. Tariq briefed the visiting members that N-25 would be of 2-lane with 7.3 meter wide carriageway, along with 3.0 meter treated shoulders. Existing drainage structures will also be improved.
Expressing his views, Nobuyuki Yamaura said co-operation in road building is beneficial for both countries, as road building experts from both the sides will avail opportunities to have acquaintance from the latest construction techniques and technology. He hoped co-operation in highway sector would further be expanded in the years to come.