April 10, 2002	Wednesday	Muharram 26, 1423

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PESHAWAR, April 9: A number of mega projects in the communication sector are being taken in hand in near future whereas two big projects, including the Kotal Tunnel and the Khairabad bridge are near completion.

The governor of NWFP, Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah, was told by Maj Gen Farrukh Javed, Chairman NHA, here at a meeting in Governor’s House, on Tuesday.

Among the new projects, the governor was informed, the Lawari Tunnel is at the top for which economic as well as suitability of the project will be considered.

Besides, it was further told that the decision has been taken to construct the Northern By-Pass of Peshawar which would provide a linkage between the Mother-way and Jamrud Road after crossing the Charsadda Road and Warsak Road and would also touch the existing Ring Road.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor stressed the need for expediting the work for initiating the feasibility study of Lawari Tunnel at the earliest and said that the government is facing tremendous pressure from the people in this connection.

Besides this, he also urged the importance of Peshawar-Torkham Road and said widening and reconstruction of this project has become essential and the authority should take it on priority basis.

The governor was, however, informed in this connection that the project was also under consideration and work would be started on this international route subject to the availability of funds.

Mr Shah also desired that the NHA should take over the Pindi-Jhang-Khushal Garh Road as a federal subject,  which would also provide an alternative route  to Afghanistan via Kohat and Parachinar.

He also said that the authority should also look into the possibility to start work on the missing portion of Indus Highway starting from Ghambila Bridge to D.I. Khan on priority project.