The National Highway Authority (NHA) will soon commence the work on much-awaited Lowari Tunnel Project (LTP) to restore all-seasons link of Chitral District with other parts of the country. The decision was made during the NHA Executive Board meeting held under the chairmanship of Major General Farrukh Javed, here on Monday.
Matters relating to construction, extension and maintenance of national highways and motorways were reviewed in detail.
The senior officers from ministry of finance, planning & development, ministry of communications, National Highways & Motorway Police and the NHA attended the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Farrukh Javed said particular attention was being paid towards the development of communication sector keeping in view the significance of national highways & motorways in economic restoration process.
Lowari Tunnel, he said, stands prominent among the NHA projects and work on it would be started soon. Initial work to this effect is being completed at a rapid pace.
Speaking about Torkham-Jalalabad Highway, the NHA chief said pace of work on the project has been accelerated after work was handed over to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) and added that local demand about the project has also been accommodated.
Welcoming the incoming Inspector General of National Highways and Motorway Police, Farrukh Javed hoped co-ordination between NHA & NH & MP will further develop and both the departments would be able to serve the people more effectively.
NHA executive board accorded approval for budget estimates 2005-06 for highway projects.
The meeting discussed various matters relating to use of money obtained from the toll tax, and also approved establishment of the Record Room.
Furthermore, various aspects of NHA Code were reviewed and approval with amendments accorded. The meeting also decided to re-organise the NHA.