The National Highway Authority (NHA) has approved four major emergency projects to restore highways damaged by the Super Flood 2025, with a total cost of Rs 4.26 billion.
A significant portion of the funds, Rs 2.44 billion, has been allocated to the M-5 Motorway for the reconstruction of bridges and safety embankments at nine locations under updated design standards, according to media reports.
Rs 850m approves for repair of protective bunds
Additionally, 850 million rupees have been approved for the repair of protective bunds and other affected areas along the N-115 in South Punjab. An amount of 335.93 million rupees has been allocated for flood prevention and temporary rehabilitation work at the Leh Taunsa Bridge on the Indus River.
Furthermore, 632.171 million rupees have been approved for the rehabilitation of Baba Farid Bridge over the Sutlej River in Pakpattan.
The NHA has also approved the appointment of consultants to monitor these projects and ensure quality standards. Under these initiatives, the flood-affected highways and bridges will be fully restored as quickly as possible.
Initiative to regulate commercial activities along national highways
The federal government had earlier unveiled a nationwide initiative to regulate commercial activities along national highways, aiming to promote public-private partnerships and create new employment and business opportunities.
The outsourcing process will be carried out in strict accordance with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules, officials.
The initiative will cover major urban centers including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, as well as key sections of national highways ranging from N-5 to N-80.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) has invited tenders for the outsourcing of Right of Way (ROW) management. The scope of work includes the collection of No Objection Certificate (NOC) fees and annual rental payments from commercial entities operating along highways, such as hotels and petrol pumps.
Firms with a minimum annual net worth of PKR 300 million are eligible to participate in the bidding process. Financial bids are scheduled to be opened on February 25, 2026.
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