The authorities have been given reconstruction work for Hub Bridge in Balochistan which is likely to be completed in 18 months to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
Due to the recent Monsoon massive flood damages in July and August, this year have caused great destruction in West Zone, mainly in the Hub-Uthal-Bela section of National Highway N-25, consequently collapsing Hub Bridge.
In this regard, the construction contract of the Hub Bridge has been awarded to National Logistics Cell (NLC). Provincial Communication and Works Department, Balochistan had constructed the bridge in 1962.
Official information revealed that the field staff was available on sites and had successfully completed temporary restoration work on an emergent basis for smooth traffic flow. Sources said that all the damaged sections of National Highways in Balochistan have now been restored temporarily and traffic has been resumed.
Currently, NLC is engaged in a detour of this bridge to facilitate the road travellers (HTV/LTV) temporarily until the new bridge and detour are constructed within one month.
A senior official stated that considering the work urgency in the larger national interest, the National Highway Council approved to carry out of permanent restoration works on a G-2-G basis according to Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules from state-run agencies.
He further said NHA in collaboration with Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Frontier Works Organization (FWO), NLC, and National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) already carried out a joint survey of flood damages while Foreign Consultant would also carry out an assessment/rehabilitation and fresh Hydrology/Hydraulic study.
Moreover, heavy structures of N-25 between Hub to Quetta, constructed by the Communication and Works (C&W) Department, were also critically damaged and collapsed during devastating flooding. This included Lunda Bridge at 121km, Khanta Bridge at 116km, five Culverts between 130-160km, and Sardi Wala Bridge at 216km.
The NHA has requested NESPAK to submit the same within the shortest possible time but no later than one month, so the same should go through the execution phase by completing all procurement/codal formalities in the best interest of road commuters, said the official.