Toll rates in Pakistan relatively low, claims ADB

ISLAMABAD: A new report of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on road funds and user charges claims that toll rates in Pakistan are relatively low and increase in toll rates is not considered a viable option because toll roads have relatively low usage in the country, and it is expected that the users will opt to use non-tolled highways. The National Highway Authority (NHA) is now looking at increasing its revenue from the use of right-of-way highways, but this is unlikely to provide the necessary levels of revenue and additional sources will need to be identified. In 2009, the NHA issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for leasing of the right-of-way that aim to commercialise the right-of-way and develop it as an important source of income for the road maintenance account (RMA). The ADB report was developed as part of the support of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) programme towards the establishment of competitive transport corridors, facilitation of movement of people and goods, and provision of sustainable, safe and user-friendly transport and trade networks.