DERA GHAZI KHAN, August 24 (TNS): The first phase of ‘improvement’ of N-70 (national highway) is underway with a fast pace as Punjab government focusing on development in South Punjab.
Starting from Rakhi Gaaj-Khar-Bewata, the project aims to make the hilly portion of the road wide and safe for Gwadar-bound cargo traffic with the installation of eight steel bridges.
The work on steel bridges is being conducted with support of Japan.
The first phase of East-West improvement of N-70 from Rakhi Gaaj-Khar-Bewata has taken off with the allocation of Rs14 billion. The project will be executed in three phases at a cost of Rs23 billion.
The Japanese engineering company which had made Kohat tunnel was working on this project too.
The hilly portion of Dera-Taftan Road from Rakhi Gaaj to high mountain of Girdo was constructed in the late 19th century by the British rulers as part of “strategic forward policy” in the subcontinent.
It was one of the most difficult terrains to work on but after completion, it brought about positive changes in the lives of tribal people in the areas of South Punjab including Dera Ghazi Khan, Fort Minro and also facilitate people of Balochistan.
