Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his displeasure over delay in the launch of Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway project and directed the authorities concerned to complete the work ‘on war footing’.
Chairing a meeting to review progress on road projects, the prime minister directed the concerned authorities to start construction of Thakot-Raikot section of Karakorum Highway, Babusar Tunnel and Khuzdar-Kuchlak road.
He also formed a nine-member committee comprising Federal Minister for Communications and Postal Services Asad Mehmood, the managing director of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority and the chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council for ensuring transparency in awarding the contract.
The meeting apprised the premier that feasibility study for the 250km Thakot-Raikot section of Karakorum Highway would be completed within seven months.
Earlier on May 15, Asad Mahmood had said that the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway project will be completed on a priority basis. He had added that timely completion of the CPEC projects across the country would not only stabilise the economy but also promote the industry, trade and agriculture.
It is pertinent to mention that the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway was a flagship project of the PTI government, but its contract had become controversial because of the way it was awarded last year. The length of the proposed Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway would be 306 km.
