ISLAMABAD: The agreement between the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) for the renovation of the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2) will be a milestone in the national integration and development.

This was stated by engineer-in-chief of Pakistan Army, Lt-Gen Khalid Asghar, at a ceremony held on the occasion of the release of the first installment of funds for the renovation of the motorway.

Gen Asghar said the participation of the private sector in the expansion and development of highways would open new avenues for sustained development.

This Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) project will add an impetus to the completion of infrastructures in the country.

He also said the NHA and FWO were working to facilitate trade, tourism, industry and agriculture of the country by strengthening the communications sector.

The renovation of the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway would be completed in three years. The project includes recarpeting of the 375 motorway, an improvement in its safety, rescue and recovery and beautification of the toll plazas and rest areas.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2014