Gilgit-Baltistan:NHA Signed Agreement for Realignment of KKH

ISLAMABAD (D.Times): National Highway Authority (NHA) has signed a contract with M/s China Road and Bridge Corporation for realignment of Karakorum Highway. Application for loan is under process with Economic Affair Division (EAD). Work will be completed in 2 years after commencement subject to availability, release of funds.

In a written reply, the Senate of Pakistan was informed here on Tuesday that NHA was allocated Rs 36.418 billion (local currency component) in PSDP 2010-11. Due to 50 percent cut on overall PSDP, the allocation was reduced to Rs 18.500 billion. To-date, Rs 17.362 billion has been released by Ministry of Finance. Funds to NHA are released as single line budget and not province or project-wise. Total amount required to complete ongoing projects is Rs 371 billion. As funds are not released on time, projects suffer from time and cost overrun.

A massive landslide occurred on Karakoram Highway (KKH) across Hunza near Attaabad on January 4, 2010. The debris 86 huge boulders blocked River Hunza in a length of around 500 m. The blockage has created a lake, submerging 24 km length of KKH.

The contract for lowering the water level of the lake by 30m has been awarded to Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) by P&D Division. If this mission is achieved, around 7 km road length will be retrieved. FWO has so far managed lowering the lake level by 4m and has indicated that the task is likely to take next 2 to 3 low flow seasons (winters).

Meanwhile, NHA signed a contract with M/s China Road & Bridge Corporation on December-2010 for realignment of KKH. Application for loan is under process with EAD.