Islamabad 25th August, 2016:  The Chairman, National Highways Authority, Shahid Ashraf Tarar called on Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi at Parliament House, today.  The former Governor, KPK  Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi, General Manager NHA E-35 Saqlain Haider and Member Northern NHA were also present on the occasion.  The matters pertaining to Hazara Motorway Express Way and widening of existing Highway from Havalian to Abbottabad were discussed during the meeting. 

The Deputy Speaker said that provision of best travelling facilities to the masses was the top priority of the present democratic set up in the country and robust steps are being taken in this regard.   He said that Hazara Motorway Express Way project was a long standing demand of the people of Hazara Division. He said that it is a gift by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for the people of Hazara and expressed his confidence that new era of progress and development will be started in the region with the completion of this project.   

The Chairman NHA briefed the Deputy Speaker about  the progress of work on Hazara Motorway Express Way project.  He informed that the project from Bohran to Havalian was divided into three sections and contract was awarded to three different firms for its timely completion.  He assured that the project will be completed by June, 2017 with cost of amounting to Rs. 32 billion.  He further informed that five interchanges will also be built from Bohran to Havalian.  While apprising about the Havalian to Thakot section he informed that work on the project has been started and as per schedule it will be completed within three and half years, however, he assured that Havalian to Mansehra section will be completed before May, 2018. 

The Deputy Speaker said that existing Highway was insufficient for smooth flow of traffic and often remained blocked, especially in Abbottabad city.   He said that due to blockage of Highway the people of the area was under gone lot of inconvenience.  He directed the NHA Authorities to expedite the pace of work for widening the existing Highway from Havalian to Abbottabad and take immediate steps to remove the bottleneck to expanding the road in Abbottabad city.  The Deputy Speaker also proposed for the construction of elevated road in Abbottabad City for the smooth flow of the traffic in the city.  He also appreciated the performance of the NHA.  

The Chairman, NHA informed the Deputy Speaker that to overcome the traffic problems in Abbottabad City a comprehensive plan has been prepared and NHA has hired a Special Consultant for the survey for expanding the road in Abbottabad City.  He said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has approved special grant for the project.  The Revenue Department has been started  acquisition of land for this project “ he said.  He assured that the work on the project will be started shortly.