Islamabad, July 22, 2025: The National Highways Authority (NHA) has received Rs. 20.5 billion in the federal budget for 2025-26 to continue work on 18 road development projects. This amount is much less than what the NHA had asked for, which was Rs. 56.9 billion.
According to official documents, these projects are around 70% completed. The NHA had hoped for more funds to finish them quickly. One of the major projects, the 959 km Karachi-Lahore Motorway (KLM) needed Rs. 4.25 billion for land purchase, compensation and shifting of utilities. However, only Rs. 500 million was approved.
For the 167 km Jaglot-Skardu Road (S-1) the NHA had asked for Rs. 5.3 billion for its expansion and improvement. But only Rs. 1 billion has been allocated. Another project, the motorway from Burhan/Hakia on M-1 to DI Khan was given Rs. 500 million, while the demand was Rs. 2.57 billion.
The two-lane highway from Basmia to Khuzdar (106km) needed Rs. 7.23 billion but only Rs. 2.5 billion was approved. The overhead bridge at Imamia Colony Railway Crossing in Shahdra got Rs. 200 million although Rs. 863 million was requested.
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For the important Gwadar-Ratodero Road (M-8), Rs. 3 billion was approved compared to the demand of Rs. 4.94 billion. Meanwhile, some projects were fully funded which includes the 54.8 km Awaran-Jhalijao Road (Rs. 1.04 billion) and the dualization of Old Bannu Road (Rs. 988 million).
The Kot Pindi Das Interchange on M-2 Motorway in Sheikhupura received its full required amount of Rs. 251 million. The Indus Highway (N-55) project from Sarai Gamila to Kohat also got the full Rs. 1.5 billion. Lastly, the bridge on River Ravi at Syed Wala was fully funded with Rs. 324 million.
Despite limited funds, a few key projects were prioritized and fully supported while others will face delays due to budget cuts.
