NHA Prioritizes Road Safety Thorough Maintenance Programs

ISLAMABAD, Mar 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ) :In a bid to prioritize road safety, the National Highway Authority (NHA) embraces maintenance programs to ensure safe, secure and comfortable traveling for commuters.

Talking to APP here on Thursday an official of NHA informed that the NHA launches safety schemes every year, which aim to improve highway safety standards and provide a comfortable experience for travelers.

He said that sewerage coverings were missing on the Hyderabad Karachi road which could lead to tire bursts and accidents. To avoid stealing sewerage coverings, the flaps have been welded and in addition to that, a demand has been sent to the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) for required coverings, he maintained.

The official said that the main component of maintenance work is highway safety and ensuring that the NHA puts up informative boards to guide commuters and marks signs and warnings on the roads. He said that these signs and markings help drivers navigate the roads and avoid potential hazards.

In addition, he said that the NHA constructs pedestrian bridges to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians. He informed that the authority has recently constructed a pedestrian bridge in Lahore to provide a safe crossing over the busy Canal Road.

He said that one of the most important aspects of the maintenance program is routine maintenance, which covers a 10-kilometer stage and is awarded to contractors for the entire year.

He said that contractors are responsible for maintaining the roads and keeping them free of potholes and patches along with repairing roads throughout the year.

For routine maintenance, the NHA also conducts periodic maintenance schemes for roads that have completed their lifespan or require additional maintenance beyond routine maintenance, the official said, adding that these sections cover an area of 15 to 20 kilometers and are part of the annual maintenance plan.

He said that once the scheme is approved, a contract is awarded and work begins. "The maintenance works include overlays such as functional overlay, structural overlay, and rehabilitation for roads that have reached the end of their lifespan", he added.

The official informed that in times of emergency, the NHA has special funds available in the budget for maintenance works and after approval from headquarters, such works are carried out in addition to routine maintenance work.

The NHA also awards contracts for tree plantation to promote a green environment and reduce the carbon footprint and the authority is committed to ensuring safety along with providing comfort to commuters through its maintenance programs.