About Rs18 billion have been spent so far on the 8.5km project being completed by a Korean company SAMBU. Deputy Director of the project Mukesh Kumar attributed its fast track completion to the keen interest of Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif. “The actual date of completion of the project was December 2017 but on the instructions of the prime minister, the project would now be completed before the scheduled time,” he added. He said four bridges and 14-kilometre-long approach roads were also being constructed at both sides of the tunnel. The construction of the approach roads would be completed in two years, he said. According to details, initially the contract of the project was awarded as Rail Tunnel to a Korean-based contractor in September 2005. The design was modified to road tunnel in anticipation of extension of road link to Tajikistan via Afghanistan during 2009-10. The revised PC-I was approved by the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) in November 2011. The design was further optimized to accommodate full two standard lanes for one way directional tunnel in 2012. The original PC-I at a cost of Rs 7,983 million was approved in 2011. Revised PC-I at the cost of Rs 18,182 million was approved in year 2012. Second revised PC-I at the cost of Rs 26,954 million was approved. The project would not only facilitate the people of Chitral and Dir districts but would prove as an important alternate route for China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and enhanced independent trade with Central Asian Republics. Lowari Tunnel will be all weather road linked between Chitral valley and the rest of the country, providing an opportunity to explore the hydro power potential in Chitral valley. The tunnel besides reducing poverty would provide better access to markets and become instrumental in the development of tourism industry of the country. It will also help in tapping large potential area of mineral resources, fruits and agriculture, livestock and other mineral based industries.—APP]]>
hindus in Pakistan were known for honesty but this Mr Mukesh Kumar has been influenced by NHA culture of corruption. If 76 percent difficult part of the work has been completed, remaining 24 percent should should be completed in 24 days working three shifts a day. Why is it taking nine months more to complete? Definitely something fishy out there.
People of Chitral welcome PM keen interest for completion of this vital project which is a matter of life and dead for the people of Chitral. Really PM always zindabad. It is the interest of PM which made all these possible. And hopefully we will enjoy this facility in the coming years and a lot of thanks to PM for this achievement. Weldon PM