NHA to hike toll rate by 100pc, Senate body told

Committee was informed that 33 projects were completed, totaling $10bn in commitments

By Asim Yasin

January 17, 2025

The representational image shows a highway near the Karakorum mountain range seen in this undated photo. — AFP/File

ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) on Thursday informed the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs that toll rates would be increased by 100% on a quarterly basis.

The NHA clarified that toll rates were revised every three years, but no adjustments had been made since 2018. The toll collection is exclusively used for maintaining the NHA road network, as the authority does not receive grants from the Government of Pakistan for road maintenance.

The committee meeting chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro had been convened to discuss the progress of ongoing and completed projects in the communications sector, particularly National Highways, Motorways, and road infrastructure projects.

The committee also reviewed the tendering processes and the financial impact of delayed projects funded by multilateral, bilateral and UN agencies. The committee was informed that 33 projects were completed, totaling $10 billion in commitments.

The committee examined complaints regarding the tendering process for the Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project.

It directed the EAD to provide details on complaints received, actions taken and the officials involved.