Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has directed chairman NHA to immediately resume work on Lowari Tunnel Project. He directed ministry for finance and planning division to release funds worth rupees two billion to NHA for this purpose, Rs one billion over and above PSDP.
The tunnel was extremely important for the corridor to Asian republics through Pakistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan route besides providing great relief to the people of the region, added the PM. He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting of Strategic Roads Project, here on Monday.
In the aftermath of Attabad Lake, the PM gave directions to NHA to start work on Attabad lake bypass without further delay, as it would resume trade with China, which is our major trading partner. The completion of bypass would also provide a great deal of convenience to people of the region who have to undergo a lot of discomfort in terms of money and time in the absence of the bypass, maintained the Prime Minister. In anticipation of the submergence of some parts of the KKH during Bhasha Dam construction, the PM directed realignment of SAZIM to RAIKOT bypass. Wapda was asked to release funds to NHA for commencement of work of 35 km Shatial bypass to facilitate movement of people during time of construction of Bhasha Dam.
Hassanabdal -Mansehra Expressway was long time demand of millions of people of the area. In view of this the Prime Minister directed NHA to make all arrangements as he would personally go for the ground breaking ceremony of the project in month of January next year.
The Prime Minister was apprised that people have to suffer a lot due to poor state of conditions of bridges between Jaglot and Sakardu. He directed Chairman NHA to complete five bridges on this road on priority basis so that people could travel with ease and comfort. The road between Mansehra-Naran-jalkhad and Chilas was extremely important, as its completion would reduce the distance to Gilgit upto 110 km besides providing alternate route to Islamabad.