Govt. seeks Rs.65 Bn more for highways

The government today presented a supplementary estimate in Parliament seeking approval to spend Rs.65 billion for new highways and other road development projects.

The Ministry of Highways, Road Development and Petroleum Resources said in a document attached to the estimate that Rs.185 billion was allocated through the 2019 Budget for highways and road development. However, according to the document the funds were only sufficient for the first five months of the year.

It said foreign contractors had completed the projects undertaken by them. The ministry said it was essential to pay the contractors on time so as to avoid paying interests as specified in the agreements.