ISLAMABAD: The Executive Board of National Highway Authority (NHA) Monday approved the award of works for widening and strengthening of Rakhi Gajj-Bewata section of the national highway (N-70) to the lowest evaluated bidder M/s Taisei Corporation, Japan.

The Chairman NHA Shahid Ashraf Tarar who presided over the meeting, informed that Multan-Qila Saifullah Highway (N-70) ran in the centre of the country linking the eastern and western areas. It connects provinces of Balochistan and Punjab and acts as the shortest route between Wagah and Taftan through Lahore and Quetta. With the improvement of this link the east-west corridor will be shortened by about 200 kms.

The project would contribute towards safe and effective transportation especially heavy vehicles and enhance the socio-economic environment of the entire area, he added. The 11.6 km section would cost Rs. 13.75 billion and is financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).—PR