MARDAN, Feb 4: Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has directed the Provincial Highways Authority to complete the under-construction eastern and western by-passes in Mardan within the scheduled time.

He said this during inspection of developmental projects here on Saturday.

He said that the completion of eastern and western by-passes would not only reduce traffic burden in the city but also facilitate the adjacent districts for business activities. Mr Hoti said these projects would play vital role in speedy development of the areas.

Officials who accompanied the chief minister during the inspection included Commissioner Mardan Mohammad Adil Khan, DIG Alim Shinwari, DCO Zakaullah Khattak, MD PHA Ijaz Khan Yousafzai, and others.

Mr Ijaz Khan said the 17.2km-long eastern by-pass road would cost Rs880 million while the 16.35km-long western by-pass would be completed at a cost of Rs930 million, respectively.

The chief minister said the provincial government would use all possible means to get the projects completed within the stipulated time.