It is quite unfortunate that the National Highway Authority (NHA) has missed the deadline to begin construction of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway project, which will surely cause a hike in overall cost of the project. The project was proposed to be completed in three years at an estimated cost of Rs 175 billion on build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis.

In addition to the cost escalation, the delay will add to the inconvenience of motorists who have been finding it extremely difficult to drive conveniently and safely. The motorway projects must not fall victim to any bureaucratic procrastination. Newspaper reports have said that the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform, have been earmarked Rs 2.5 billion for the Sukkur-Hyderabad section in the Public Sector Development Programme (2017-18), while the project will be completed at a total cost of Rs 175 billion. The inordinate delay will certainly lead to cost escalation and greater inconvenience to people.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017