Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA), Arshad Majeed Mohmand, revealed that the authority currently collects only 13 percent of toll taxes from its highways. This was disclosed during a briefing to the Federal Minister for Communications, Privatisation, and Board of Investment, Abdul Aleem Khan, on Wednesday.
In response, the Federal Minister emphasized the need for immediate reforms within the NHA, stressing that there is no place for corrupt or incompetent staff within the organization. He suggested that outsourcing toll collection to the private sector in areas facing revenue challenges could be a viable solution.
“The NHA must set annual revenue targets to boost both its efficiency and financial health,” Minister Khan stated, adding that such measures would significantly enhance the institution’s performance and revenue generation.
Chairman Mohmand informed that the NHA has already initiated a process of refinement based on the Minister’s directives, and is working on proposing both short-term and long-term policy measures to address the issue.
Minister Khan further urged the NHA to adopt a self-reliance policy, utilizing its available resources, professional skills, and manpower to become a financially stable and independent entity. “Improving transportation infrastructure is a top government priority. It’s crucial that we develop a business model that meets modern demands,” he remarked.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of enhancing NHA’s global capacity by offering expert services to other countries, a move that could generate substantial foreign exchange. He announced that all future motorway projects would have at least six lanes, with a focus on the Karachi to Sukkur and Sialkot to Kharian to Islamabad routes.
Additionally, he directed that all motorways should feature a minimum of three lanes on each side to meet future traffic demands. The NHA was also instructed to maximize revenue by constructing toll plazas specifically designed for heavy traffic, as well as public and private transport. The Minister underscored the need for strict enforcement of axle load regulations on all roads and motorways to ensure safety and longevity.
The meeting, attended by senior NHA officials, concluded with a renewed commitment to revamping the NHA’s revenue collection system and enhancing its operational efficiency to meet the evolving infrastructure needs of the country.
