By Shafqat Ali

 

LAHORE, Oct 5 (Gwadar Pro) - 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 on Monday afternoon.

 

Speaking to the 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-kilometre KKH Phase-II (Havelian-Thakot Section) was a flagship endeavour carried out as an early harvest project under CPEC. 

 

“It was completed as per the original date of February 2020 at a cost of Rs 134 billion and recognised 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 a 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 greenfield 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 a 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.

 

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.

 

 

This article originally appeared on Gwadar Pro.