Rs 2 billion required to complete the tunnel

Islamabad—The Federal Minister for Communications Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan chaired a high level meeting in the ministry regarding on going progress of Lowari Tunnel Project.

The minister was apprised in detail regarding the progress of the lowari tunnel project. Secretary Ministry of Communication Mr. Anwar Ahmad Khan, Chairman NHA Syed Muhammad Ali Gardezi, Senior officials of the Korean Contractor

SAMBU, Consultant and other senior officers from the Ministry and NHA attended the meeting. Prince Mohiuddin MNA from Chitral also attended the meeting.

The minister was informed that after completing the hole, the work of the tunnel have been stopped due to shortage of fund. It was also informed that the tunnel was initially designed as Rail Tunnel but later on it was converted into Road Tunnel and it is being widen for two way traffic.

It was also informed that the contractor has already completed the whole of the entire tunnel which is 8.9 km and the concrete working is going. The Minister was also informed that 4 KM link roads at the both ends are also being completed. The Minister informed that the contractor has stopped the work due to non-payment of fund to the contractor by the NHA, therefore, the NHA has requested to release the funds of Rs.2 billion.

The Ministry is requesting the Prime Minister secretariat to give Rs.2 billion so that the international level project could be completed. The minister said that no compromise could be made to delay it, as it is an important national project having international qualities.

The minister said that this tunnel would connect the Central Asian Republics with Pakistan road network. The Federal Minister for Communications Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan has reiterated the vision of the present government to provide excellent road network, it would be enhanced up to central Asian States, China and Iran.

Posted in: Chitral,Lawari Tunnel