Latest news with #NHA
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Lyari Expressway-III
Policy recommendations: The NHA should prioritize implementing digital toll collection systems similar to FWO's M-Tag technology. This would address commuter concerns about delays while potentially improving revenue collection efficiency. The initial investment in digital infrastructure could be offset by operational savings and improved user satisfaction. A phased implementation approach could begin with dedicated lanes for digital payments, gradually expanding as adoption increases. This would allow system testing while maintaining current operations during the transition period. Transparency in toll utilisation would also strengthen public confidence. Lyari Expressway-II Regular reporting on how toll revenues translate into infrastructure improvements would provide accountability and justify future rate adjustments. Alternative management models: Should the NHA find digital modernization challenging within current operational frameworks, exploring alternative management models merits consideration. The FWO's demonstrated competence in highway management and digital systems implementation suggests potential benefits from management transfer or partnership arrangements. Provincial involvement through the Sindh government could provide additional oversight and ensure alignment with local business community needs. Lyari Expressway-I Regional authorities often demonstrate greater responsiveness to local stakeholder concerns than federal agencies. Public-private partnerships might also offer solutions, bringing private sector efficiency to public infrastructure management while maintaining public ownership and oversight. Farooq Mustafa Chaudhry (Karachi) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Lyari Expressway-I
Modernizing payment systems could address commuter concerns while improving revenue efficiency. The Lyari Expressway toll structure has undergone significant adjustments in recent months, with rates increasing from Rs 30 to Rs 70 — representing a 133 percent rise over an eight-month period. While the National Highway Authority (NHA) cites infrastructure maintenance and improvement costs as justification for these increases, the implementation reveals a fundamental disconnect between modern transportation management practices and ground realities faced by Karachi's business community and daily commuters. The economic cost of inefficiency: the current manual toll collection system presents a compelling case study in operational inefficiency. During peak business hours - particularly morning office start times and evening shift changes - thousands of commuters experience delays ranging from 15 to 30 minutes solely for toll payment processing. This translates to significant economic losses across multiple sectors. For Karachi's business ecosystem, these delays represent more than mere inconvenience. Late arrivals affect productivity, increase fuel consumption during idle periods, and create cascading delays throughout supply chains. When port city operations depend on timely movement of goods and personnel, every minute lost in toll queues has measurable economic impact. The financial implications extend beyond individual businesses. Transportation costs ultimately factor into product pricing, affecting competitiveness in both domestic and export markets. In an economy where efficiency gains can provide crucial advantages, maintaining antiquated toll collection methods represents a missed opportunity for systemic improvement. Farooq Mustafa Chaudhry (Karachi) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PSDP 2024-25: Ministry authorises Rs1.035trn for projects, releases Rs596.61bn
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has authorised a total of Rs1.035 trillion (94.51 per cent ) out of Rs1.096 trillion for development projects from July to May while Rs596.61 billion have been expended so far under Public Sector Development Programmes (PSDP)-2024-25. According to the Ministry of Finance's notification, the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives authorised 15 per cent funds for the first quarter, 20 per cent for the second quarter, 25 per cent for the third quarter, and 40 per cent for the fourth quarter under the PSDP. According to the data available on the website of Ministry of Planning, the ministry authorised Rs770 billion (92.8 per cent) for development projects of various federal ministries, divisions and other departments against Rs829.67 billion including Rs139.2 billion foreign loan budgeted allocation for the financial year 2024-25. A total of Rs437 billion has been expended so far on the development projects on various federal ministries, division and departments. The ministry authorised Rs256.85 billion (100 per cent) out of Rs265.85 billion budgeted allocations for the National Highways Authority (NHA) and power sector (NTDC/PEPCO) for development projects. But a total of Rs159.56 expenditures have been made so far on the development projects. A total of Rs161.26 (100 per cent ) billion has been authorised out of Rs161.26 billion for development projects of the NHA while Rs87.42 billion has been spent. A total of Rs104.59 billion (100 per cent ) has been authorised out of Rs104.59 billion for the power sector (NTDC/PEPCO) while Rs159.56 billion expenditures have been made from July to May 2025. According to the data, a total of Rs48.97 billion (100 per cent) has been authorised out of Rs48.97 billion budgeted allocations for development projects for the Cabinet Division, while Rs34.97 billion has been expended. A total of Rs5 billion has been authorised out of Rs5 billion for development projects of the Aviation Division, Rs3.535 billion (100 per cent ) for the Climate Change Division, Rs20.75 billion (100 per cent ) for the Federal Education and Professional Training Division, Rs5.578 billion (100 per cent) for defence Division, Rs7 billion out of Rs7.1 billion for Finance Division, Rs710 million (100 per cent) for States and Frontier Regions Division, Rs11.375 billion (100 per cent) billion for Information Technology and Telecom Division, and Rs35 billion (100 per cent ) for Railway Division during financial year 2024-25. The ministry also authorised Rs217.66 billion out of Rs276.45 billion for provinces and Special Areas, Rs61.12 billion (100 per cent) for development projects for Higher Education Commission (HEC), and Rs8.374 billion (100 per cent) has been authorised for the development projects of National Food Security and Research Division. The ministry also authorised Rs9.78 billion (100 per cent) budgeted allocation for the Interior Division, Rs21 billion (100 per cent ) for National Health Service, Regulations and Coordination Division, Rs2.176 billion (100 per cent ) for Defence Production Division, Rs8.49 billion (100 per cent) for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division, Rs6.65 billion (100 per cent) for Science and Technological Research Division, Rs3.23 billion (100 per cent) for Petroleum Division, and Rs199.6 billion (100 per cent out of Rs199.6 billion budgeted allocation for development projects of Water Resources Division etc. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
South Wales Guardian
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Guardian
M48: Lorry drivers flout Severn Bridge weight restriction
The bridge is currently subject to the weight limit after engineers found structural problems. Previously, 44 tonne HGVs were allowed on the ageing bridge. The photographs, reportedly showing two 40 or 44 tone trucks on the bridge, were taken earlier this week by Monmouthshire County Councillor (MCC), Armand Watts. Cllr Watts said: 'I drive over the bridge a fair bit. On one trip, my passenger took these photos.' The enforcement of the new 7.5 tonne weight limit has faced major problems. Truckers had claimed foreign-registered HGVs could have been using outdated satnavs and crossed legally because old 44 tonne weight limit signs remained in place after restrictions were imposed, last month. Concerns were also raised about the lack of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR), which are needed for enforcement, according to the National Highways Agency (NHA). The NHA had blamed bad weather for 44 tonne weight limit signs remaining in place. Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police, who enforce the weight limit, said they would be working with partner agencies to investigate ANPR technology to police the limit. NHA had previously told MCC that ANPR cameras are essential for enforcement, suggesting that the bridge could become a free-for-all without cameras. Local hauliers have expressed frustration about lack of enforcement and unfair competition from foreign-registered lorries. Some claimed that old satnavs and old signs make a case for the foreign trucks to legally use the bridge, whilst UK drivers must do hundreds of miles in detours, without 'access to cheap Russian diesel.' Calming speculation from truckers, Joff Raymont, Transport Director for a concern that manages Caldicot's Hicks Logistics, said: 'Personally, I haven't seen any HGVs on the bridge and I am not aware of foreign vehicles breaching the weight limit. However, UK hauliers do face unfair competition and that's a serious concern. 'That said, drivers who flout our laws can now have their vehicles confiscated. We welcome this because it helps create a level playing field. 'Also, continental drivers who use up-to-date satnavs will be told about weight limits – no one has an excuse.' Mr Raymont also assured that the NHA now had all correct signage in place. Cllr Watts explained the lack of rigorous enforcement meant local residents will pick up the bill for inconsistency and muddle: 'The whole thing is deeply disturbing. The weight limit must be enforced. The current situation is unacceptable – nothing's clear. 'We need transparency to monitor, control and plan. Toothless enforcement will lead to breaching of weight restrictions. This puts massive strains on local infrastructure and repairs will then have to be paid for. Why should local taxpayers have to fund things that should be prevented by the law?' Cllr Watts further explained that residents need to see a simple approach to what is going on, so they can hold agencies and powers to account. He has called for a simple: 'Who, what, when, where, why and how approach to enforcement,' that makes things clear to the public. An NHA spokesman said: 'The numbers of vehicles breaching the ban since it was introduced has been small and police are in the area carrying out enforcement activity. 'National Highways is not an enforcement agency but we are working with local police, through Operation Wolverine, as well as the DVSA and The Traffic Commissioner to prevent infringements and ensure that HGV drivers flouting the ban are challenged. 'There is extensive signage on the approach to the bridge and we have worked hard to raise awareness of the need for the ban including briefing hauliers, Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association. The weight restrictions are essential to future-proof the bridge and hauliers must observe the signs and take an alternative route if their HGV is over 7.5 tonnes.'
South Wales Argus
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
M48: Lorry drivers flout Severn Bridge weight restriction
The bridge is currently subject to the weight limit after engineers found structural problems. Previously, 44 tonne HGVs were allowed on the ageing bridge. The photographs, reportedly showing two 40 or 44 tone trucks on the bridge, were taken earlier this week by Monmouthshire County Councillor (MCC), Armand Watt. Cllr Watt said: 'I drive over the bridge a fair bit. On one trip, my passenger took these photos.' As previously reported in the South Wales Argus, the enforcement of the new 7,5 tonne weight limit has faced major problems. Truckers had claimed foreign-registered HGVs could have been using outdated satnavs and crossed legally because old 44 tonne weight limit signs remained in place after restrictions were imposed, last month. Concerns were also raised about the lack of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR), which are needed for enforcement, according to the National Highways Agency (NHA). The NHA had blamed bad weather for 44 tonne weight limit signs remaining in place. Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police, who enforce the weight limit, said they would be working with partner agencies to investigate ANPR technology to police the limit. NHA had previously told MCC that ANPR cameras are essential to enforcement, suggesting that the bridge could become a free-for-all without cameras. Local hauliers have expressed frustration about lack of enforcement and unfair competition from foreign-registered lorries. Some claimed that old satnavs and old signs make a case for the foreign trucks to legally use the bridge, whilst UK drivers must do hundreds of miles in detours, without 'access to cheap Russian diesel.' Calming speculation from truckers, Joff Raymont, Transport Director for a concern that manages Caldicot's Hicks Logistics, said: 'Personally, I haven't seen any HGVs on the bridge and I am not aware of foreign vehicles breaching the weight limit. However, UK hauliers do face unfair competition and that's a serious concern. 'That said, drivers who flout our laws can now have their vehicles confiscated. We welcome this because it helps create a level playing field. 'Also, continental drivers who use up-to-date satnavs will be told about weight limits – no one has an excuse.' Mr Raymont also assured that the NHA now had all correct signage in place. Cllr Watt explained the lack of rigorous enforcement meant local residents will pick up the bill for inconsistency and muddle: 'The whole thing is deeply disturbing. The weight limit must be enforced. The current situation is unacceptable – nothing's clear. 'We need transparency to monitor, control and plan. Toothless enforcement will lead to breaching of weight restrictions. This puts massive strains on local infrastructure and repairs will then have to be paid for. Why should local taxpayers have to fund things that should be prevented by the law?' Cllr Watt further explained that residents need to see a simple approach to what is going on, so they can hold agencies and powers to account. He has called for a simple: 'Who, what, when, where, why and how approach to enforcement,' that makes things clear to the public. An NHA spokesman said: 'The numbers of vehicles breaching the ban since it was introduced has been small and police are in the area carrying out enforcement activity. 'National Highways is not an enforcement agency but we are working with local police, through Operation Wolverine, as well as the DVSA and The Traffic Commissioner to prevent infringements and ensure that HGV drivers flouting the ban are challenged. 'There is extensive signage on the approach to the bridge and we have worked hard to raise awareness of the need for the ban including briefing hauliers, Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association. The weight restrictions are essential to future-proof the bridge and hauliers must observe the signs and take an alternative route if their HGV is over 7.5 tonnes.'
