NHA Revenue Target Raised From Rs 66Bn to Rs 160Bn Expenditure Capped at Rs 50Bn, 70% Funds to Balochistan: Abdul Aleem Khan

ISLAMABAD : Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has announced a major financial turnaround of the National Highway Authority (NHA), revealing that annual revenue has surged from Rs 64-66 billion to a target of Rs 160 billion in just 2.5 years, while capping administrative expenditure at Rs 50 billion.

The Minister said the government is building road infrastructure through self-generated resources without burdening the national exchequer.

*FINANCIAL REFORMS – COMPLETE BREAKDOWN:*

– *When he took charge 2.5 years ago:* NHA did not have even Rs 1 billion from own resources for new projects. Total revenue was Rs 64-66 billion which was entirely consumed by salaries, routine road maintenance, repairs and emergency rehabilitation of roads and bridges damaged by floods.
– *Current Target:* Rs 160-166 billion revenue target for current fiscal year through toll taxes and other sources.
– *Expenditure Control:* Administrative expenditure fixed/capped at Rs 50 billion. Minister said “We have not allowed our expense to increase, it is fixed at Rs 50 billion, rest of all money will be spent on public.”
– *PSDP Allocation:* Rs 224 billion allocated for ongoing projects under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2024, major share intended for national highways in Balochistan.
– *Long Term Vision:* Transform NHA into organization capable of generating Rs 1 trillion revenue, reducing dependence on external support and government funding.
– *Balochistan Focus:* 70% of NHA’s total revenue is being invested in Balochistan. Construction and expansion of N-25 (Pakistan Expressway) remains key priority. 66 major projects requiring combined Rs 3,000 billion investment prioritized across country.

*MEGA MOTORWAY AND HIGHWAY PROJECTS ANNOUNCED:*

*1. Lahore to Islamabad New Route – Game Changer:*
– Current distance via Motorway: 380 KM
– New distance via Sambrial-Kharian Motorway: 280 KM (100 KM reduction)
– Travel time: From 3.5 hours to 2.5 hours (1 hour saved)
– Will benefit Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lalamusa, Kharian, Jhelum
– Target completion: By next year / End of 2027 (Lahore-Rawalpindi new motorway)
– M-2 Motorway complete overhaul will be completed by next year

*2. Faisalabad Motorway Expansion:*
– Faisalabad to Pindi Bhattian – Rs 13 billion being spent to build 6-lanes
– Work progressing rapidly without government budget, from NHA own resources
– Minister said: “If toll tax was not increased, Faisalabad-Pindi Bhattian road would not have been built”

*3. Sialkot Motorway:*
– Lahore-Sialkot Motorway being widened from 4 lanes to 6 lanes with additional Rs 10 billion from NHA revenues

*4. Lodhran and Multan:*
– Multan to Lodhran road (Lodhran Expressway) will be completed this year using NHA own resources

*5. Islamabad-Murree Expressway:*
– 100% being built by NHA from its own funds

*6. South Corridor – Sukkur to Karachi Port:*
– There is no motorway beyond Sukkur currently
– Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway construction to begin next month – 3 sections approved
– Motorway will be taken from Hyderabad to Karachi Port which will be 8-lanes
– Will boost Karachi Port connectivity, freight transportation, maritime logistics

*7. North Corridor – To China Border:*
– Motorway to Kaghan Naran being planned
– To be taken to Chinese border via Chilas
– Will make trade with China easier via Karachi Port
– Balochistan Expressway to improve access to remote areas and reduce accidents – expected by end of next year
– Lahore-Khyber Motorway project to be completed in 2027

*8. PPP Model:*
– Bringing new highway projects on Public Private Partnership model

*INDUSTRY RELIEF PACKAGE:*

Minister also raised voice for business community:

– Presented proposals to Prime Minister for Ease of Doing Business
– Urged banks to consider rescheduling loans of industrialists affected by high interest rates
– Said “It is extremely difficult to run business by borrowing at 25% interest rate”
– Rescheduling could help affected firms resume operations and revive closed factories

*BACKGROUND:*

Minister recalled hazardous conditions on previous roads and risks faced by Motorway Police personnel. Said modern highway network will ensure national development and promote commercial activities across country.