By Abdul Ghani

The government has set aside Rs2,500 million in PSDP 2026-27 for the rehabilitation of a 66-kilometre section of National Highway N-5 between Hala and Moro, according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The project “China Aided Projects of Pakistan National Highway N-5 Sectional Rehabilitation, Hala-Moro, 66 Km (China Grant)” is being executed by the National Highway Authority (NHA).

The allocation comprises Rs2,000 million under the rupee cover and Rs500 million in local funding.

The project is designed to improve the condition of Hala-Moro stretch, with better road infrastructure expected to facilitate passenger travel and goods transportation. The 66-kilometre corridor forms part of the N-5, one of Pakistan’s key national road routes.

The project, approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on March 5, 2026, is listed among foreign-funded development projects, with a China grant identified in the project title.

The total estimated cost of the scheme stands at Rs27,973 million. The expenditure up to June 30, 2026, is recorded at Rs1,500 million, while the remaining financial requirement as of July 1, 2026, is estimated at Rs26,473 million.

The PSDP table records physical progress at zero percent, indicating that no physical progress was reported in the relevant entry at the time the document was prepared.

The planned funding for FY2026-27 places the scheme among the highway development initiatives listed in the federal government’s development programme. Its implementation will depend on the release of funds and progress on the planned works.

Credit: INP-WealthPk