NHA Approves Rs4.6 Billion for Multan-Lodhran Road Dualisation, Work to Start Within a Month

• Funding released for 62km highway upgrade; completion targeted in one year
• Project to enhance safety and traffic efficiency through dual carriageway elevation

ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) has sanctioned Rs4.6 billion for the dualisation of the Multan-Lodhran Road, a critical infrastructure project set to commence within the next month. The initiative, fully funded through the Road Maintenance Account Fund, aims to modernize the 62-kilometer stretch, including the elevation of 44.8 kilometers of the existing track to create a uniform dual carriageway.

The project follows a formal request from Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, a native of the region, and has been officially approved by Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan. Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to alleviate long-standing traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic growth in South Punjab.

The road, which has suffered from severe deterioration for years, has posed significant safety risks and logistical challenges for commuters and commercial vehicles. Gilani emphasized that the project fulfills a key pledge to the region, stating, “This initiative addresses the infrastructure gaps in South Punjab and will provide safer, more efficient travel facilities. I am committed to ensuring timely completion through sustainable development.”

Notably, a prior contract worth Rs6.86 billion awarded to Ningxia Communication Construction in 2021 was terminated by NHA in 2023 due to the firm’s failure to meet deadlines. The current project represents a renewed effort to deliver the much-needed upgrades.

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