ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications was informed on Friday that Rs 30 billion had been allocated for the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) in the current financial year against the total demand of Rs 70 billion.
While reviewing the latest progress on the highway, the committee was informed that the project comprised five sections: Hyderabad-Tando Adam, Tando Adam-Nawabshah, Nawabshah-Naushahro Feroze, Naushahro Feroze-Ranipur and Ranipur-Sukkur.
The committee was further informed that Sections I and II would be executed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, Sections IV and V through financing from the Islamic Development Bank and Section III through financing from the OPEC Fund.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Communications also briefed the committee on the expected start-up schedule and current progress of each section.
The committee also sought a comprehensive report on the status of Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) projects and constituted a subcommittee to review project implementation, financial management and toll procurement process.
The committee was informed that out of the total PSDP expenditure of Rs 3.7 trillion, about Rs 2.6 trillion consisted of anticipated projects.
The committee was further informed that around Rs 60 billion allocated to the NHA had been reduced in the federal budget due to austerity measures and emerging security requirements.
It was indicated that 71 ongoing projects fall into the category of anticipated projects. The committee requested a comprehensive status report on these projects, including their bifurcation by province and expected completion times.
The committee also sought an update on the slow pace of work on the Keti Bandar Road project and asked the ministry to provide its expected completion timetable.
A member from Balochistan has expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay of the Quetta-Zhob road project, saying that despite nearly two decades of work, the project continued to suffer from numerous diversions along its 320 kilometer length.
The MP also stressed that the 13 kilometer stretch from Fort Munro to Loralai, which carried significant inter-provincial traffic, should be given the highest priority.
In response, the NHA Chairman assured the committee that the section would be completed in the current year through maintenance funds, considering its strategic importance.
The member also expressed concern over the delay in the execution of the Lasbela-Awaran road project and pointed out that the Rs5 billion allocated for the Kharan-Basima road had remained unutilized for several years.
Regarding the New Baran Bridge project, the Secretary informed the committee that a feasibility study had been carried out and the project had been taken up as a new project to be financed through AIIB funding.
Another member from Sindh expressed concern over the limited presence of the NHA on the ground, saying greater on-site supervision was essential for timely implementation of ongoing projects.
The committee also discussed the incomplete Shahdadkot bypass project and directed that the Managing Director, NHA Sukkur, should attend the next meeting of the committee.
The committee further highlighted that the Rajanpur Toll Plaza continued to receive substantial toll revenue despite the road not being fully completed and contrary to the committee’s earlier recommendations.
The committee also questioned the rationale for awarding the operation of all toll plazas in Sindh to a single contractor.
A committee member advised the NHA to ensure that large corporate beneficiaries of road infrastructure projects contribute, through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, to the socio-economic development of local communities, particularly in Balochistan.
The committee also reviewed the facilities provided by the National Highways Authority to commuters on highways and national highways.
While recognizing the existing provisions, committee members observed that further improvements were needed.
The committee sought details of the new initiatives planned in this regard and reiterated its earlier instructions that all toll plaza lanes should remain operational at all times.
The NHA has further been directed to take strict action against contractors who violate the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs).
