Pakistan plans NHA restructuring for decade-long highway projects

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan announced a restructuring of the National Highway Authority (NHA) under a new business model. This initiative aims to enable the agency to generate its own financial resources to fund the construction and restoration of major highways across Pakistan over the next ten years.

Key projects include the expansion of the Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad Motorway to four or six lanes, which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may inaugurate in December. The Minister noted that NHA's annual revenue has increased from 66 billion rupees to 160 billion rupees during his tenure. Additionally, the M4 Motorway expansion is being funded through the agency's own generated resources.

To improve traveler experience, the government plans to establish modern rest areas and washrooms every 20 to 25 kilometers by June. The plan also includes roadside afforestation, where individuals may be offered land on lease to plant fruit trees based on regional suitability. For the Gilgit-Skardu road, protective shades are being constructed to mitigate landslide risks.