Lowari Tunnel project: NWFP to make foolproof security arrangements

Business Recorder - TAHIR AMIN
ISLAMABAD (December 15 2009): The NWFP government on Monday assured foolproof security for the speedy construction of the Lowari Tunnel scheduled to be completed by 2011. During the construction both sides of the Tunnel will be guarded by heavy contingents of Frontier Corps and police. This was decided in a meeting held between the Federal Minister for Communications Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan and Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti.

Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan and Ameer Haider Khan Hoti agreed to meet Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani for requesting an early release of funds to complete the project in time.

The Chief Minster said that by the completion of this project, not only a longstanding demand of the people would be met but communication links with Tajikistan, Dushanbe and other Central Asian States would be strengthened. Arbab Alamgir said the Lowari Tunnel has been converted from rail to road tunnel because the road tunnel could be constructed swiftly and it would cost less. He said the cost of the rail tunnel was Rs 17.6 billion whereas the cost of the road tunnel would be Rs 15 billion.

Haider Hoti said that it is our responsibility to provide every kind of security during the construction whereas speedy construction of the tunnel is the responsibility of the Communications Ministry. The Federal Minister assured the NWFP Chief Minister early completion of the tunnel. He said in this respect, not only local, but foreign construction experts were also consulted.

National Highway Authority Chairman Chaudhry Altaf Ahmad and Secretary Communications Sharif Ahmad Khan gave a detailed briefing to the participants. The participants were informed that converting the rail tunnel to road tunnel will not only save Rs 2 billion but more vehicles will be able to cross the tunnel in less time.

The completion of the tunnel will usher in an era of industrial and economic revolution in the country and we will also earn considerable foreign exchange. They were briefed that by the construction of highway tunnel, railway workshops will be removed and enough space will be available for the construction of hotels, motels and service areas for the travellers. It was decided in the meeting, that light vehicles will also be allowed to use the tunnel and the people of Chitral will be connected to whole of the country as well as Central Asian States.

Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Muhammad Salim Khan and MNAs and MPAs from Chitral and Dir, Shahzada Mohiuddin, Ghulam Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Anwar Khan and ANP Senior Vice President Afrasiab Khattak and Additional Chief Secretary Fayyaz Khan Toroo were also present.
source - BR


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