Islamabad: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 235 million loan to Pakistan for upgradation of the 222-km long part of the Shikarpur-Rajanpur National Highway (N-55) from the current two lanes road to a four-lane carriageway, according to media reports shared on August 20. The upgradation will promote economic growth and regional connectivity.
As per the details shared, traffic police facilities, emergency response centres, and bus stops will also be established along the road. It was reported that N-55 is part of Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Corridor 5 that connects the ports of Gwadar and Karachi with the national and international economic centres in the north.
According to ADB Transport Specialist Rika Idei, the upgradation of N-55 will increase the capacity of highway that passes through economic centres in Punjab and Sindh.
It is pertinent to mention that the USD 235 million loan is the second part of the multi-tranche financing facility designed to offer financial and technical assistance to the country’s National Highway Authority.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
