ISLAMABAD:Â The government of Pakistan has decided to undertake several highway projects with an estimated cost of Rs60 billion on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis in the next financial year.
The projects include the conversion of the Karachi Northern Bypass from a two-way lane to six-way, expansion of Swat Expressway from Chakdara to Bagh Dheri and the construction of eight highways.
Under these projects, the National Highway Authority (NHA) plans to expand the Swat Expressway from Chardar to Bagh Dheri at an estimated cost of Rs36 billion, meanwhile, the land for this projects is estimated to be acquired at Rs20 billion. The total estimated cost of the project is at Rs56 billion and it is being recommended that Rs20 billion be allocated for the project in the upcoming budget.
Moreover, the Kharian to Rawalpindi motorway is likely to be converted into a two-way lane on BOT basis with an estimated cost of Rs57 million.
The Northern Karachi Bypass is also to be converted from a two-way lane to a six-way on BOT basis. A total of Rs1.35 billion will be earmarked for this project, with Rs1.3 billion for land acquisition and Rs50 million for the feasibility study. The Northern Karachi Bypass project is estimated to cost an overall Rs13 billion to the national exchequer.
The conversion of Sambrial–Kharian Road two-way has also been recommended at a cost of Rs40 billion.
A feasibility study for restoration of the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman Road has also been recommended.
