Rs 30,544.657 Million Spent On Maintenance Of Highways, Motorways In Three Years: Senate Told

ISLAMABAD,(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st july,2016) : Minister for Parliament Affairs Sheikh Aftab Thursday said National Highway Authority (NHA) spent Rs 30,544.657 million on maintenance of national highways and motorways across the country, during the last three years. Speaking in the senate during question-hour, the minister said the NHA spent Rs 11,201.044 million on roads in Punjab, Rs 5,913.949 million in Sindh, Rs 4,552.462 million in Balochistan, Rs 6,279.033 million in KPK and Rs 17 million in Gilgit Baltistan. He said the total amount included Rs 2,581.169 million on maintenance of motorways. While on construction of highways and motorways, the minister said a total of Rs 170,756.855 million was pent throughout the country. He said PEPRA rules were strictly followed while awarding contracts besides ensuring proper oversight. He said only those branches roads fall within purview of provincial governments which were responsible to maintenance them in good condition and suitable to travel on.

Replying to another question, the minister said currently 751 persons were working in NHA in BS-15 to 22, adding quota for provinces was strictly observed. However, he added there was no separate quota for AJK and FATA in recruitment in NHA. He added 55 officers were posted as Members and General Managers in National Highway Authority (NHA). Answering a question, he added the expenditure incurred on construction of Takht Bhai Flyover so far was Rs.

422 million, adding it would be completed in six months. Currently, he added 62 percent flyover work had been completed with approach roads on both sides. Takht Bhai Flyover was awarded in November 28, 2012 and work started on February 6, 2013 and added the original contract cost was Rs.

582.124 million which was revised to Rs. 851.524 million. He said the original length of bridge was 0.225 Km which is revised to 0.600 Km.