NHA board suggests two flyovers over level crossings to Ecnec

The National Highway Authority (NHA) Executive Board has recommended the PC-1 for construction of Lodhran-Multan Section (North Bound 62km) of N-5 and construction of two flyovers at the railways crossing on Lodhran Bypass at a cost of Rs 13.002 billion for approval of Central Development Working Party (CDWP) / Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC).

According to documents available with Business Recorder, the meeting of the National Highway Authority's Executive Board was held in the chair of Chairman NHA Captain Sikander Qayyum (retd).

The Executive Board deliberated upon PC-1 for construction of Lodhran-Multan Section (North Bound 62km) of N-5 and construction of two flyovers at railways crossing on Lodhran Bypass. After deliberations, the NHA Executive Board recommended the PC-1 and construction of two flyovers at a cost of Rs 13.002 million for approval of CDWP/ECNEC subject to rationalization of cost. Further, the Board directed the member planning to prepare and present a comprehensive policy for highways passing through urban areas.

The Board discussed an agenda item related to a case in Lahore High Court, Multan Bench, regarding charging of NOC fee and approach rentals, and after having detailed deliberations, the NHA Executive Board approved the following:

(a) Existing rates for filling and CNG stations (based on traffic volume) would continue to be implemented till June 30, 2020 and with effect from July 01, 2020, the CPI-based proposed/revised rates be submitted for consideration/approval.

b. Rates of other amenities (housing societies, industries, oil & gas related amenities, structured & non-structured amenities) based on total land/area of the amenity are revised/rationalized w.e.f. issuance of confirmed minutes of the board meeting. (c) To overcome the inflationary effect, NOC fee and approach rentals will be revised after every three years as per yearly CPI rates of preceding years. (d) The outstanding payments of petitioners in writ petitions No 17576 of 2018, 8263/2019, 8067/2019 & 9826/2019 are allowed in the form of installments to the petitioners along with other NOC holders of amenities, where payments are outstanding as arrears. (e) After revision, these rates will be advertised for information of general public along with its posting on NHA's website.

(f) Fee/rates for other amenities on the basis of land/ area were approved for implementation with immediate effect. The board authorized chairman to convey the decision of the NHA Executive Board through a speaking order as approved by the board.

The board also discussed operation, management & maintenance (OM&M) contract of toll plazas and collection of toll revenue on net guaranteed fixed revenue basis on Lahore-Abdul Hakeem (M-3 Section) 228 km awarded to M/s Faizan Communications for 90 days under emergent situation.

After deliberations, the NHA Executive Board extended the term of contract of "OM&M of toll plazas and collection of toll revenue on Lahore-Abdul Hakeem (M-3 Section) km 228 on net guaranteed fixed revenue basis for the period of 90 days under emergent situation" awarded to M/s Faizan Communications from October 01, 2019 to October 22, 2019 or mobilization of new OMC (M/s S.D Enterprises) whichever is earlier, on same terms & conditions.