ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) plans to engage foreign engineering experts to strengthen highway design and improve road safety standards in Pakistan.
Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan issued the directive during a high-level meeting on the NHA’s ongoing and proposed projects. Officials also reviewed road safety, development programmes, revenue generation and financial matters.
The minister called for greater use of international engineering practices in the planning and design of new highways. He said road infrastructure should provide safer and more comfortable travel for motorists.
Khan also raised concerns about the design of the M-4 Motorway and other highways. He directed NHA officials to examine existing design practices and incorporate modern engineering standards into future projects.
NHA’s engineering teams were instructed to strengthen safety considerations during the design stage. The focus includes improving highway layouts and other engineering features that can reduce risks for road users.
The meeting was informed that the NHA manages about 3.13 percent of Pakistan’s total road network. However, more than 80 percent of the country’s traffic reportedly uses roads under its management.
Officials also briefed the meeting on financing for the M-6 Motorway and projects included in the Public Sector Development Program. Progress on NHA schemes across the four provinces was also reviewed.
Khan said the authority had achieved its revenue enhancement target set two years earlier. He directed officials to use revenue generated from existing sources to support the construction of additional roads.
The meeting also discussed funding requirements for projects in Balochistan. A proposal to seek Rs108 billion from the federal government for NHA projects in the province was considered.
The proposed engagement of foreign experts is intended to support improvements in highway engineering and design. Further details on the scope of the consultancy and implementation arrangements are expected as the NHA proceeds with the plan.
