The National Highway Authority (NHA) has recently conducted an auction for multiple toll plazas along the N-5 highway, attracting bids totaling hundreds of millions of rupees. This initiative marks the beginning of a new contract cycle for toll collection and operations on one of Pakistan’s busiest routes.
Among the highest bids were Rs120.877 million for the Rani Pur toll plaza, Rs117.7 million for Syed Abad, Rs116.415 million for Moro, and Rs115.818 million for Kandaro. The Qazi Ahmed plaza was sold for Rs97.8 million, while Ghotki attracted Rs69.1 million in bids.
In a particularly competitive auction, the Ubauro toll plaza’s initial price of Rs77.7 million was pushed up to Rs82.2 million, with the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) securing the contract. NLC also won the Sadiqabad toll plaza contract with a bid of Rs96.1 million. Meanwhile, Ahmedpur East was awarded to a private firm for Rs99.2 million, slightly above the starting price of Rs98.7 million. The Machhi Goth plaza was auctioned for Rs78.1 million.
In a significant development, the NHA has set the duration of these contracts to run until June 30, 2027. Contracts will be granted based on the net guaranteed monthly revenue, with successful bidders required to make advance payments of the fixed monthly amount plus applicable taxes into the NHA’s designated accounts.
The authority has outlined clear eligibility criteria for bidders, including mandatory registration with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) in the relevant or higher category. Companies must also be listed on the Federal Board of Revenue’s Active Taxpayers List. Firms with outstanding dues to the NHA or other government departments are barred from participation.
Furthermore, contractors awarded the contracts must provide cash-in-transit insurance coverage to secure toll plaza operations. The NHA emphasized that these new contracts aim to ensure the uninterrupted operation and maintenance of toll facilities while sustaining revenue collection across the national highway network.
