KKH Phase-II, a major connecting project under CPEC and symbol of Pakistan-China’s evergreen friendship: NESPAK chief
Gwadar Pro
Lahore: Karakoram Highway (KKH) Phase-II (Havelian-Thakot) is a major connecting project under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and symbol of Pakistan-China’s evergreen friendship, National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) Managing Director Dr Tahir Masood said.
Speaking to journalists here, Masood highlighted that NESPAK overcame tough challenges and played a key role in the completion of KKH Phase-II (Havelian-Thakot).
Dr Tahir Masood recalled that 120 kilometer KKH Phase-II (Havelian-Thakot Section) was a flagship endeavor carried out as an early harvest project under CPEC Framework.
“It was successfully completed as per original date on February 2020 at a cost of (Pakistani) Rs 134 billion and recognized as a symbol of Pakistan-China’s long-lasting, brotherly and strong relationship,” he remarked.
He pointed out that the design review of the project posed a formidable challenge in view of over 100 bridges, 6 tunnels with cumulative length of 8.6 kilometres, extensive hydrological studies and structural evaluation, geo-technical review of deep cuts, high fill sections, modern slope protection measures and subsoil data of over 2,000 piles.
“This being a green field project without parallel access to the alignment, timely quality assurance at the site locations proved to be a tough assignment,” he maintained.
He observed that NESPAK’s biggest challenge was to restore cross connectivity of villages and communities cut by the fenced alignment. “NESPAK being local consultant was well positioned to guide and advise the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) Contractor for necessary remedial measures in coordination with the client (the National Highway Authority),” he mentioned.
Masood explained that the road was divided into two segments – 40-km Havelian-Mansehra Expressway and 80-km Mansehra-Thakot Class-II Highway. “Four interchanges, 112 bridges, 76 underpasses cattle-creeps, 491 culverts, two service areas, 12 flyovers and seven tunnels were constructed under this mega project,” he added.
The NESPAK chief underlined that the Company remained associated with the project as Project Consultant – AER-Assistant to Employer’s Representative. “We served as the joint venture partners of the leading Turkish Consultancy firm M/S Dolsar,” he elaborated.
Lately, he reminded, the project won the best bridge/tunnel award at the 9th annual Engineering News-Record (ENR)’s Global Best Projects competition for its outstanding design and quality construction.
The commercial contract was signed form this project on December 22, 2015 between the NHA and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). China Communications Construction Company Limited executed the project.
