National Highway Authority gave formal approval for hiring of consultants for design of necessary infrastructure for Islamabad Metro Bus Project.

Islamabad Metro Bus project envisaged extending the existing route from Peshawar Mor to New Islamabad International Airport (NIIP) with an estimated cost of Rs 18 billion, said NHA spokesperson.

Last week Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed Chairman NHA for immediate construction of Islamabad Metro Bus link from Peshawar Mor to Islamabad’s new Airport.

The bus service will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on August 14, 2017 along with the inauguration of New Islamabad Airport.

The Executive Board of NHA met with Chairman Shahid Ashraf Tarar in the chair where formal approval for hiring of consultants for design of necessary infrastructure for Islamabad Metro Bus Project was granted.

The Chairman informed the meeting that the project was initiated under the special directives of the Prime Minister to facilitate masses by providing a fast and easy link with the new Air Port. NHA was entrusted the task to build the necessary infrastructure for it.

He said the project length was 25.6 km and it was divided into two packages: Peshawar Mor to G-13 and from G-13 to N-5 interchange. Chairman NHA said that project will cost around Rs 18 billion and will include construction of 4 interchanges and 14 stopovers (stations) as part of the project.

The spokesperson said that bids have been invited from interested parties by January 31. The design, contract awarding and other arrangements would be finalized by mid February and by the end of February construction work would be stared.

The Executive Board also approved PC-1 for widening and up gradation of Chitral-Durrah Pass, Chitral – Bhamborat, Harnai – Sanjavi (Balochistan) and Kuchlak Bypass (Balochistan) projects. NHA official said that USAID has committed to finance the Kuchlak bypass project.

Chitral – Durrah project would cost around Rs. 8.6 billion. The 83 km road is divided into two packages and included construction of 13 major and 134 minor bridges. Whereas, 48 km long Chitral – Bhamborat road would around Rs 4.1 billion with construction of 8 major bridges as part of it.

The Executive Board also recommended these projects for approval of Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC).