REPORT OF THE SUBREGIONAL EXPERT GROUP MEETING ON

UNITED NATIONS
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
REPORT OF THE SUBREGIONAL EXPERT GROUP MEETING
ON
IDENTIFYING INVESTMENT AND PRIORITIES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASIAN HIGHWAY NETWORK
AND
RELATED INTERMODAL CONNECTIONS
21-23 September 2004, Islamabad
UNITED NATIONS
CONTENTS
Page
I.
II.
INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………
1
A.
Background ………………………………………………………...........
1
B.
Organization of the Meeting …………………………………………….
2
C.
Attendance ………………………………………………………………
2
D.
Opening of the Meeting …………………………………………………
2
PROCEEDINGS …………………………………………………………...........
3
A.
UNESCAP transport sector activities and the Intergovernmental
Agreement on the Asian Highway Network ……. ……………………...
B.
Updates from States on ratification/signing of the Intergovernmental
Agreement on the Asian Highway Network…………..
C.
3
4
Development of the Asian Highway network and intermodal
connections……………………………………………………………….
5
(a) Subregional overview of status of the Asian Highway network……..
5
(b) Country statements…………………………………………………...
5
(c) Policies and Financing of transport projects by multilateral/bilateral
donors and subregional organizations……………………………………
D.
Resources requirement for the development of the Asian Highway
network and intermodal connections…………………………………...
E.
7
8
Other matters …………………………………………………………….
11
III.
MAJOR CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS …………………….
11
IV.
ADOPTION OF THE REPORT …………………………………………...........
13
Annexes
I.
Programme of the Meeting……………………………………………………….
15
II.
List of participants………………………………………………………………..
16
_________________________________________________
This document has been issued without formal editing.
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Background
1.
The Asian Highway has made considerable progress, with the recent signing of the
Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network by 26 member States. The
entry into force of the Agreement will signify a new phase for the initiative.
2.
Currently 17 per cent of the 140,000 kilometres of the Asian Highway network is
below the agreed minimum standards. In addition, infrastructure rehabilitation is needed on a
number of routes. Upgrading and improving the network to the requirements of international
transport are important considerations underlying the Intergovernmental Agreement on the
Asian Highway Network. While some States are capable of mobilizing the resources to
fulfill the obligations of the Agreement, other States will need development assistance from
multilateral and bilateral donors as well as multilateral lending institutions to meet those
obligations.
3.
In the context of such funding constraints, UNESCAP has launched a project,
financed by the Government of Japan, to prepare subregional overviews of investment needs
and priorities for the development of the Asian Highway network as requested in the
Commission Resolution 60/4 Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network
to promote the development of the Asian Highway, particularly taking into account the
special needs of landlocked developing countries. The project also aims to facilitate dialogue
among members and donors on these priorities, leading to investment projects that optimally
use available funds.
4.
The main activities of the project include: (i) the preparation of sub-regional
overviews of investment needs and development priorities for the Asian Highway network
and intermodal connections: and (ii) the organization of three subregional Meetings with the
participation of member countries, multilateral and bilateral donors, subregional and other
international organizations to identify the priority investment projects of common national
and subregional importance for possible funding.
5.
Three subregional Expert Group Meetings of member countries, multilateral and
bilateral donors, subregional and other international organizations are planned for: (i) South
Asia (SAARC) subregion; (ii) North, Central and South West Asia; and (ii) South-East Asia
(ASEAN) subregion.
6.
This Meeting was for the SAARC subregion the first in the series of planned
Meetings that have the objectives to: (i) review the status of the Asian Highway network in
member countries; (ii) identify investment requirements for the development of the Asian
Highway Network; (iii) identify priority projects of subregional importance for the
development of Asian Highway network and related intermodal connections; and (iv)
showcase and promote the identified priority projects for investment.
7.
In addition to the SAARC member countries, Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of
Iran were invited to discuss and consider investment requirements for international
connection to the SAARC subregion. A meeting for the ECO subregion is planned in which
specific investment in Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran will be taken up.
1
B. Organization of the Meeting
8.
The Subregional Expert Group Meeting on Identifying Investment and Priorities for
the Development of the Asian Highway Network and related Intermodal Connections was
held in Islamabad, from 21 to 23 September 2004. The Meeting was organized by the United
Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and hosted
by the Ministry of Communications and National Highway Authority, Government of
Pakistan. The programme of the Meeting is attached as annex I to this report.
C. Attendance
9.
The Meeting was attended by participants from eight member countries namely:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri
Lanka. Representatives of the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the Islamic
Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Bank for
International Cooperation (JBIC), and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) also
attended the Meeting. The list of participants is attached as annex II to this report.
D. Opening of the Meeting
1. Opening message from Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Under Secretary-General of the United
Nations and the Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, delivered by Mr. Barry Cable,
Director, Transport and Tourism Division
10.
Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP welcomed the participants and
thanked H. E. Mr. Mohammad Shahid Jamail Qureshi, Minister of State for Communications,
Government of Pakistan for his presence. He mentioned that in an era of globalization, there
was a need to put in place the basic arrangements for transport infrastructure linkages in
anticipation of increased intra- and interregional trade. He affirmed that the development of
international transport networks was an important part of the work of UNESCAP and it was
anticipated that transport linkages will play a greater role in socio-economic development,
combating poverty and making globalization work for all.
11.
The Executive Secretary, in his message, underscored the success of signing of the
Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network in Shanghai by 26 member
States and outlined progress towards the entering into force of the Agreement.
12.
Highlighting the importance of investment for the Asian Highway he hoped that the
Meeting would encourage discussion among the member countries, donors and interested
organizations, and would identify priority investment projects of common national and
subregional importance. In this respect he sought the support of member Governments,
bilateral and multilateral donors.
13.
In closing, the Executive Secretary expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ministry
of Communications and National Highway Authority, Government of Pakistan, for hosting
the Meeting and the excellent arrangements made for the participants. He also recognized the
continued support from the Government of the Japan for the development of the Asian
Highway network and for financing the subregional Meeting.
2
2. Welcome address by Major General Farrukh Javed, Chairman, National Highway
Authority (NHA)
14.
The Chairman welcomed the participants to Islamabad and NHA Head Office. He
mentioned that roads promote interregional harmony and integration and praised
UNESCAP’s efforts for turning the Asian Highway into reality. Pakistan, as an active
member of the Asian Highway was striving hard to upgrade its highways to international
standards. He then gave brief outline of international links to Afghanistan, China, India and
the Islamic Republic of Iran while explaining some of projects intended to improve
connectivity with these countries and further to Central Asia.
15.
He explained NHA’s plan for construction of Motorways and links to the Gwadar
Port. He also noted that Pakistan placed a high value on the cooperation and contribution of
the international organizations for the development of road infrastructure and hoped that the
cooperation would continue for the development of the Asian Highway Network.
16.
At the end, the Chairman wished that the outcome of the Meeting would enhance
meaningful cooperation among the countries.
3. Opening statement from H. E. Mr. Mohammad Shahid Jamail Qureshi, Minister of
State for Communications, Government of Pakistan
17.
In his opening address H.E. Mr. Mohammad Shahid Jamail Qureshi, Minister of State
for Communications, Government of Pakistan, expressed his pleasure in welcoming all
participants to the Expert Group Meeting.
18.
He mentioned that road infrastructure had enduring effects on economic development
and that Pakistan had about 258,000 km of road network which included 8,885 km of well
maintained national highways. Located at the crossroads Pakistan could provide effective
transit routes towards the East, West and North.
19.
The Minister of State informed the Meeting of the bilateral transport agreements with
China and the Islamic Republic of Iran and resumption of Lahore-New Delhi bus service with
India. Pakistan was a signatory to the Asian Highway Agreement and Traffic in Transit
Agreement with China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Some of the initiatives being supported
and implemented included development of the New Silk Route, the ECO Decade Programme
of Actions on Transport and Communications, and the ECO Transit Transport Framework
Agreement.
20.
At the end, the Minister of State thanked UNESCAP for organizing the Meeting,
which he hoped, would be useful for experience sharing.
II. PROCEEDINGS
A. UNESCAP transport sector activities and the Intergovernmental Agreement on the
Asian Highway Network
21.
The Director of the Transport and Tourism Division briefly described the UNESCAP
transport sector activities. He outlined the initiative of UNESCAP on integration of different
modes of transport, and transport facilitation, and mentioned some of ongoing activities in the
highway sector.
3
22.
The Director explained the processes of development of the Asian Highway network
and signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement. He briefly mentioned the obligations of
States under the Agreement. He also outlined the present status of the Asian Highway
network.
23.
The Director concluded by outlining the objectives and programme of the Meeting.
B. Updates from States on ratification/signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement on
the Asian Highway Network
24.
The member States provided the following updates on the ratification/signing of the
Agreement:
(a)
Afghanistan
25.
Afghanistan had signed the Agreement in Shanghai and would inform on ratification
in the due course.
(b)
Bangladesh
26.
The delegation from Bangladesh appraised the Meeting of their governments’
willingness to sign the Agreement. However, they also conveyed the earlier request of their
government to redesignate Dhaka-Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf (upto Myanmar border)
route as AH1 since the route was substantially crossing more than one subregion.
27.
However, the Meeting was informed that the numbering system could not be
negotiated until the Agreement entered into force.
(c)
Bhutan
28.
The delegation from Bhutan informed the Meeting that ratification of the Agreement
is likely to be tabled for consideration in the forthcoming National Assembly session.
(d)
India
29.
The delegation from India mentioned that Government of India had approved the
signing of the Agreement and would inform about the ratification in due course. The
delegation of India also did not favour any change in the route alignment of AH1 as already
decided after due deliberations.
(e)
Islamic Republic of Iran
30.
The Islamic Republic of Iran had signed the Agreement in Shanghai and would
inform on ratification in the due course.
(f)
Nepal
31.
The delegation from Nepal informed the Meeing that the ratification of the Agreement
would be considered by the Parliament after its election.
(g)
Pakistan
4
32.
The delegation from Pakistan informed that the process of ratification had been
started and would be submitted for cabinet approval in due course.
(h)
Sri Lanka
33.
The delegation from Sri Lanka informed that the Cabinet approval had already been
obtained and Sri Lanka was ready to ratify the Agreement.
C. Development of the Asian Highway network and intermodal connections
(a) Subregional overview of the Asian Highway network
34.
The secretariat provided an overview of the development of the Asian Highway and
intermodal connections in the region and subregion. It was highlighted that 17 per cent (about
24,000 km) of Asian Highway network needed upgrading to the Class III standards in the
region. In the SAARC subregion 12 per cent of AH network currently did not meet minimum
design standards. Sections of the Asian Highway network requiring improvement and
upgrading were highlighted with the help of maps. An outline of important international AH
corridors in SAARC were provided.
(b) Country statements on development and financing of road and intermodal projects related
to the Asian Highway
(i)
Afghanistan
35.
The delegation from Afghanistan mentioned that 95 per cent of passenger and freight
traffic was carried by road transport in landlocked Afghanistan. He hoped that the
implementation of the Asian Highway Agreement, already signed by Afghanistan, would
bring benefits to all member countries and Afghanistan through its connectivity with
Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Central Asian countries to both Europe and Asia. The
road network in Afghanistan had been damaged during the wars. However, with cooperation
of member countries and international organizations renovation of Salang-Tonal had almost
been completed, rehabilitation of Torkham-Jalalabad-Kabul was ongoing and of Mazer-eSharif-Herat was under study. He hoped that the cooperation for rehabilitation would
continue.
(ii)
Bangladesh
36.
The delegation from Bangladesh appraised that road transport carried about 70 per
cent of passenger and 72 per cent of freight traffic. Outlining the Asian Highways in
Bangladesh the progress in development of Dhaka-Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf
(Myanmar border) through the signing of a MOU with Myanmar was provided. Two sections
of the Asian Highway were proposed for investment: (i) four laning of DaudkhandiChittagong (246 km); and (ii) improvement of Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar-Ramu-Gundum
(Myanmar border) (186 km).
(iii)
Bhutan
37.
The delegation from Bhutan provided an overview of the transport sector in Bhutan.
Bhutan had 4,122 kms of road network of which 1,577 kms were National Highways. There
were plans to construct and upgrade major highways in Bhutan. The Phuentsholing-Thimpu
Highway (179 km) was proposed for double laning and there was a plan to construct a dry
port at Phuentsholing which was the nodal point of Asian Highway in Bhutan. Jaigaon in
5
India had been identified as a nodal point in India for providing connectivity to the nearest
Asian Highway at Siliguri.
(iv)
India
38.
The delegation from India gave a comprehensive outline of highway development in
India. The current road network in India was more than 3.3 million kms of which 65,569 kms
were national highway. Road transport carried about 85 per cent of passenger traffic and
about 65 per cent of freight traffic. The National Highway Development Project (NHDP) was
being implemented and included four laning of about 14,279 km of National highways at a
cost of US $ 14 billion connecting four metropolitan cities, north-south and east-west as well
as major ports. The major part of Asian Highway was being developed as a part of National
Highway Programme. About 26 km of Asian Highway in India formed part of the State Road
network. The entire Asian Highway in India was paved and most of it already qualified to be
class III standard and above. It was mentioned that for the AH connection to Bhutan,
Siliguri-Jaigaon was recommended as an appropriate link.
(v)
Islamic Republic of Iran
39.
The delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran provided an outline of national
transport policies which included among others construction of highways in the North-South
and East-West Corridors, and the Asian Highway network and enhancing the safety and
facilities for freight transportation. It was highlighted that about US $ 2.2 billion was
currently being invested in various Asian Highway projects. Some initiatives to improve
international road transport included construction of Milak Bridge on the border with
Afghanistan, reconstruction of border terminals at Dogharoum (Afghanistan), Bajgiran
(Turkmenistan) and Nurdouz (Armenia) and Doughram-Herat road. The strategy for
development of intermodal transport was outlined.
(vi)
Nepal
40.
The delegation from Nepal provided an update on the status of the Asian Highway
network in Nepal. About 93 per cent of the Asian Highway was in good and fair condition.
The construction of the new Koshi Bridge at Chatara, widening of bridges in DhalkebarPathalaiya section of AH2, Kathmandu-Birgunj ICD link, widening of Thankot-Kathmandu,
Kathmandu-Bhaktapur, surface improvement and slope stabilization on Barabise-Kodari
section of AH42, Container Freight Station at Kathmandu and ICD at Kodari were proposed
for investment. Details on the projects of subregional importance were provided. The
importance of north-south connections to China with the G219 Highway from Narayanghat,
Butwal, and Kohalpur on the Asian Highway AH2 in the long term was highlighted.
(vii)
Pakistan
41.
The delegation of Pakistan appraised the Meeting of various projects being
implemented and planned along the Asian Highway as well as other motorways projects.
Improvement of Sibi-Sariab, Naushki-Dalbandin sections and construction of Lakpass Tunnel
along AH2, dualization of Hassanabdal-Mansehra section of AH4, Hub-Uthal section of AH7
and improvement of Kuchlac-Zhob section of AH51 were planned and proposed for
investment. Other important planned highways included a link to Gwadar port, a highway
link to India through Khokhropar, improvement of the Indus Highway and improvement of
sections of the N-70.
6
(viii)
Sri Lanka
42.
The delegation of Sri Lanka recalled that in ancient history there was a land bridge
connection between Sri Lanka and India. But now a regular ferry service would be adequate
for connection. A brief on some of the ongoing and planned highway projects such as the
Colombo Matara Expressway and the northern part of the AH43 from Talaimannar–
Medawachchiya that required improvement was provided. With the help of photographs,
highway construction in Sri Lanka, the problems of traffic congestion, mixed traffic,
enforcement of traffic laws, road safety, land acquisition, ribbon development faced during
construction and operation of highways were highlighted.
(c) Policies and financing of transport projects by multilateral/bilateral donors and
subregional organizations
1.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
43.
The representatives of the ADB stressed the importance of transport infrastructure in
South Asia which would require 7 to 9 per cent economic growth to support achievement of
the Millennium Development Goals. The cumulative lending to South Asia in the transport
and communication sector was about US$ 8 billion with transport and communication sector
receiving about 20 per cent of all lending. Over 70 per cent of the lending in the transport and
communication sector was for roads. ADB’s financing Strategies and priorities in the road
sector were highlighted. Details of various activities of ADB’s South Asia Subregional
Economic Cooperation (SASEC), and Subregional Economic Cooperation in South and
Central Asia (SECSCA) with SAARC and Regional Technical Assistance (RETA) were
provided. It was noted that transport was one of the important sectors within SASEC and
SECSCA.
2.
The World Bank
44.
The representative of the World Bank highlighted that the mission of the World Bank
in the transport sector was to support poverty reduction and economic growth. It was pointed
out that the South Asia Region received US $ 800 million in transport lending during 200204 which was 26 per cent of total transport lending and the highest among the regions of the
bank. Also in South Asia, highway projects accounted for 80 per cent of net commitment in
transport sector. An outline of the World Bank’s projects in member States supporting
development of the Asian Highway was provided. It was highlighted that the investment
projects relating to the Asian Highway should fit in the bank’s Country Assistance Strategy
and be technically, economically, socially and environmentally viable.
3.
The Islamic Development Bank (IDB)
45.
The representative of the IDB mentioned that transport and communication was one
of the important sectors within IDB operations. IDB was supporting transport linkages
between Afghanistan and Pakistan, linkages to the Gwadar port in Pakistan and to the Central
Asian countries. The importance of intermodal transport, trade facilitation and road
maintenance was highlighted. It was suggested that a preliminary TOR be developed to
define the scope for feasibility studies required for the identified priority projects. In addition,
7
IDB mentioned the need for studies on balanced allocation of resources between modes of
transport, especially between road and rail. Since private sector participation in infrastructure
development was important, UNESCAP should try to bring in private sector representatives
to the future deliberations on the subject of investment proposals in the sector.
4.
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA)
46.
The representatives of the JBIC and JICA presented an overview of the Japanese
ODA system, JICA-Technical Cooperation activities and their support to Pakistan which
included transport policy assistance, road network assistance, dispatch of expert and training
activities. JBIC had supported construction of Kohat tunnel and part of Indus Highway; JICA
was supporting the Kararo-Wad section of the Asian Highway in Pakistan. Other Japanese
support to the Asian Highway included improvement of part of the Kabul-Kandahar-Herat
section in Afghanistan, co-financing of the Jamuna Bridge and approaches, the Phaksi and
Rupsa bridges in Bangladesh, national highways in India and part of the Colombo Matara
Expressway in Sri Lanka.
5.
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
47.
The representative of the ECO briefed the Meeting on the ECO initiatives particularly
in the field of transport and communications. These included operationalization of container
and passenger trains on the Trans-Asian Railway main line route between Istanbul and
Almaty; multimodel transport within the region; publication of road and railway maps; and
other initiatives aimed at forging closer cooperation in marine, air, road and rail transport. He
expressed satisfaction over the growing cooperation between UNESCAP and ECO.
D. Resources requirement for the development of the Asian Highway network and
intermodal connections
48.
Based on the country inputs and statements a list of projects requiring investment in
each country was provided with the help of country maps. After discussion and further inputs
from member countries the Meeting agreed on the following list (Table 1) of priority projects
along the Asian Highway and potential links to the highways requiring investment.
8
Table 1: Priority Investment Requirement
Country
AH. No
Section
Km
Cost
US $ m
Bangladesh
AH41
Four laning of Daukandi-Chittagong
246
191
AH41
Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar-Ramu-Gundam
186
144
AH2
Beldanga - Panchagarh
77
9
AH41
Dasuria – Paksey - Kushtia
38
4
AH41
Jhenaidah - Jessore
45
5
Bhutan
Potential
AH
Phuentsholing-Thimphu double laning
179
60
India
AH1
Shillong-Dwaki
70
6
AH2
India-India/Nepal border
10
1
16
2
19
2
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka,
India
1
2
1
AH2
Siliguri-Fulbari Mod-Border of Bangladesh
AH43
Madurai-Dhanushkodi
AH2
New Koshi bridge at Chatara and widening of
bridges in Pathalaiya- Dhalkebar
170
31
AH42
Naubise-Thankot (Tunnel)-Kathmandu-Kodari
improvement and upgrading
48
24
AH42
Kathmandu-Birgunj ICD link road
110
80
AH2
Improvement of Sibi-Sariab
160
68
AH2
Lakpass Tunnel
AH2
Improvement of Dalbandin – Naushki section
AH4
9
167
34
Dualization of Hassanabdal-AbbottabadMansehra
90
51
AH7
Hub-Uthal
80
27
AH51
Improvement of Kuchlac-Zhob
306
60
Other
Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab-Awaran-Khuzdar
section
650
271
Other
Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas-Umarkot-Khokhropar
222
50
Other
Sehwan - Dadu – Ratodero
199
103
Other
National Highway N-70 (Multan-Muzafargarh;
Muzaffargarh Bypass; Muzafargarh & Bewatta)
202
103
AH43
Talaimannar– Medawachchiya
112
36
32
880
AH43-new
land link
2
Land bridge connecting Sri Lanka and India
Part of State Road.
At conceptual stage feasibility study required.
9
49.
Delegations from Bangladesh and Nepal appraised the Meeting of existing and
planned inland container depots (ICDs) and intermodal connections. These included
construction of ICDs near Dhaka, and in Narayangong (Pangaon) in Bangladesh, and planned
ICD at Kakarbhitta and Kodari and Container Freight Station at Thankot in Nepal.
50.
The delegation from India attributed part of the rapid growth in container traffic in
India (18 to 20 per cent) to their policy of developing and facilitating traffic at ICDs. It noted
that in planning these facilities it was necessary to involve all of the issues such as reliability
of services, pricing and connectivity to both major and other seaports.
51.
The Meeting stressed the need to set in place appropriate policies that provided a
conducive environment for development of intermodal transport. Such policies should
address not only infrastructure issues but also operational issues, especially intermodal
pricing. It was noted for example that cross-subsidization of passenger traffic in the railway
sector placed rail freight transport at a disadvantage when competing with road transport.
52.
It was also noted that the development of ICDs could provide the nucleus for
development of other value added logistics services and could be extended to be Special
Economic Zones (SEZs) thereby addressing issues of poverty alleviation and the
development of inland regions within country.
53.
The Meeting noted the work of UNESCAP in intermodal transport under the Seoul
Declaration of the New Delhi Action Plan on Infrastructure Development in Asia and Pacific.
This included the ongoing work on Integration of Intermodal Transport and Logistics in
North-East Asia and the project on Euro-Asian Transport Linkages. It was noted that the
findings of the study in North-East Asia would be available for all countries and, subject to
the availability of resources, similar studies could be done in cooperation with relevant
subregional organizations.
54.
The Meeting noted that in order to ensure the smooth movement of traffic across
borders and in transit it was necessary to have in place not only the infrastructure but also
facilitation measures and efficient transport enterprises. As a first step towards this end, the
International Conventions listed in UNESCAP resolution 48/11 on Road and Rail Transport
Modes in Relation to Facilitation Measures were recommended to the participants as a means
to addressing facilitation and commercial issues. It was noted that resolution 48/11 urged
member countries to accede to seven international conventions; two dealing with road traffic
and road signs and signals, four dealing with custom conventions including the TIR
convention, the temporary importation of commercial vehicles and containers, and
harmonization of procedures at border crossing; and one dealing with the commercial
carriage of goods by road.
55. The Meeting discussed various issues related to the financing of highway development
and maintenance including private sector participation. In this respect it was noted that all
beneficiaries and stakeholders needed to be involved in the process. It was also noted that
many of the concession structures being offered to the private sector were not financially
attractive. Consequently, there was a need to develop more innovative structures. For
example, in some cases very high construction standards were being required for relatively
low traffic volume roads. In such cases there may be scope to initially construct roads to a
lower standard with a provision to upgrade at a later date.
10
E. Other matters
56.
No other matters were raised.
III. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
57.
After active and constructive deliberation, the Meeting arrived at the following major
conclusions and recommendations:
58.
The Meeting agreed upon the following priority list of projects for investment in the
SAARC subregion (Table 2).
11
Table 2: Priority List of projects for investment in the SAARC subregion
Country
AH. No
Section
Km
Cost (US$ mill.)
I. Sections requiring upgrading
(a) Inter-country links
Bangladesh
AH2
Beldanga - Panchagarh∗
77
9
India
India
AH1
Shillong-Dwaki∗
70
6
AH2
India – India/Nepal border∗
10
1
AH2
Siliguri-Fulbari Mod-Border of Bangladesh1∗
16
2
AH43
Madurai-Dhanushkodi∗
19
2
Nepal
AH2
New Koshi bridge at Chatara and widening of bridges
in Pathalaiya- Dhalkebar
170
31
Nepal
AH42
Naubise-Thankot (Tunnel)-Kathmandu-Kodari
improvement and upgrading
48
24
Nepal
AH42
Kathmandu - Birgunj ICD link road
110
80
Pakistan
Pakistan
AH2
Improvement of Sibi-Sariab
160
68
AH2
Lakpass Tunnel
AH2
Improvement of Dalbandin – Naushki section
AH4
AH7
India
India
Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
AH43
9
167
34
Dualization of Hassanabdal-Abbottabad-Mansehra
90
51
Hub-Uthal
80
27
112
36
1129
380
Talaimannar– Medawachchiya
∗
Total
(b) Domestic links
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Pakistan
AH41
Four laning of Daukandi-Chittagong
246
191
AH41
Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar-Ramu-Gundam
186
144
AH41
Dasuria – Paksey - Kushtia∗
38
4
45
5
306
60
821
404
∗
AH41
Jhenaidah - Jessore
AH51
Improvement of Kuchlac-Zhob
Total
II. Other Potential AH related investments
Bhutan
Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan
Potential AH
Phuentsholing-Thimphu double laning
179
60
Other
Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab-Awaran-Khuzdar section
650
271
Other
Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas-Umarkot-Khokhropar
222
50
Other
Sehwan - Dadu – Ratodero
199
103
Other
National Highway N-70 (Multan-Muzafargarh;
Muzaffargarh Bypass; Muzafargarh & Bewatta)
202
103
1452
587
32
880
Total
III. Long term investment
Sri Lanka, India
AH43-new
land link
Land bridge connecting Sri Lanka and India2
* Upgrading to class III standards.
1
Part of State Road.
12
59.
The Meeting noted with appreciation the support of the Asian Development Bank, the
World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation
(JBIC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the various sections of the
Asian Highway network.
60.
The Meeting acknowledged the importance of the Asian Highway international
connection from SAARC subregion to Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
61.
It was agreed that as a next step in this project countries would prepare profiles for
each of the projects identified. In this respect UNESCAP was requested to revise the project
profile templates circulated earlier, to send these to the interested financial institutions and
bilateral donors for comments, then re-circulate these to the participating countries for
completion. These profiles could then provide a means of promoting the Asian Highway, as
requested in Commission Resolution 60/4 Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian
Highway Network as well as forming the basis for undertaking further feasibility studies.
62.
The Meeting expressed its deep appreciation to the Ministry of Communications and
the National Highway Authority, Government of Pakistan for hosting this Meeting and the
excellent arrangements and hospitality extended to the participants. The Meeting also
expressed its appreciation to the Government of Japan for providing financial assistance to
organize the Meeting.
IV. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT
63.
The report of the Subregional Expert Group Meeting on Identifying Investment and
Priorities for the Development of the Asian Highway Network and related Intermodal
Connections was adopted on 23 September 2004, at Islamabad.
******************
2
At conceptual stage feasibility study required.
13
ANNEXES
14
Annex I
UNITED NATIONS
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Subregional Expert Group Meeting on
Identifying Investment and Priorities for the Development of the Asian Highway Network
and related Intermodal Connections
21-23 September 2004
Islamabad
PROGRAMME
21 September 2004
08:30-09:00
Registration.
09:00-09:10
1. Opening statement by UNESCAP.
9:10-09:20
2. (a) Welcome address by host country.
(b) Opening statement by a dignitary of the host country.
09:20-09:40
3. UNESCAP transport sector activities and the Intergovernmental Agreement on
the Asian Highway Network.
4. Updates from States on the progress on ratification/signing of the
Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network
09:40-10:10
10:10-10:30
Coffee Break
10:30-12:30
5. Development of the Asian Highway network and intermodal connections:
(a) Subregional overview of status of the Asian Highway network;
(b) Country statements on development and financing of road and intermodal
projects related to the Asian Highway by SAARC countries (Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) and Afghanistan and the
Islamic Republic of Iran; and
(c) Policies and financing of transport projects by multilateral/bilateral donors
and subregional and international organizations.
Lunch
Discussion on agenda item 5.
12:30-14:00
14:00-15:30
15:30-15:45
Coffee Break
Discussion on agenda item 5.
15:45-17:00
22 September 2004
6. Resource requirement for the development of the Asian Highway network and
9:00-10:30
intermodal connections:
(a) Potential projects of subregional/national importance and their
prioritization;
(b) Assessment of subregional investment needs.
10:30-10:45
Coffee Break
10:45-12:30
Discussion on agenda item 6.
12: 30-14:00
Lunch
14:00-15:30
Discussion on agenda item 6.
15:30-15:45
15:45-17:00
Coffee Break
7. Other matters.
23 September 2004
9:00-11:00
8. Adoption of the conclusions and recommendations.
11:00-13:00
Lunch
13:00-17:00
Site visit to Motorway (M2)/Asian Highway Route (AH1).
15
ANNEX II
UNITED NATIONS
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Subregional Expert Group Meeting on
Identifying Investment and Priorities for the Development of the Asian Highway
Network and related Intermodal Connections
21-23 September 2004
Islamabad
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
AFGHANISTAN
Mr. Sayed Hasim Umrani, Deputy Director, Transportation Directorate, Ministry of
Transport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Tel: (93-70) 210 1432, Mob: (39) 070 226 668
BANGLADESH
Mr. Muhammad Shahidullah, Joint Chief, Ministry of Communications, Building No. 7,
Room No. 728, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Fax: (880 2) 7169417, 9553900,
Tel: (880 2) 7168944, email: [email protected]
Mr. Syed Faizul Islam, Chief Transport Economist, Roads and Highways Department, Sarak
Bhaban, Block A, Room No. 402, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Fax: (880 2) 9553900, Tel: (880 2)
9555277, email: [email protected]
BHUTAN
Mr. Kunzang Wangdi, Superintending Engineer, Department of Roads, Ministry of Works &
Human Settlement, Thimphu, Bhutan, Fax: (975-2) 321 124, Tel: (975-2) 322237, email:
[email protected]
Mr. Sangay Tenzin, Planning Officer, Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Works &
Human Settlement, Thimphu, Bhutan, Fax: (975-2) 2322601, Tel: (975-2) 322601, 324953,
email: [email protected]
INDIA
Mr. S. B. Basu, Chief Engineer (Planning), Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport &
Highways, Transport Bhawan, No.1, Parliament Street, New Delhi, India, Fax: (91 11) 2371
0134
Mr. Nirmal Jit Singh, Member (Technical), National Highways Authority of India, G-5 & 6,
Sector-10, Dwarka, New Delhi-110045, India, Fax: (91 11) 2371 0134
Mr. B. N. Puri, Adviser (Transport), Planning Commission, Yojana Bhawan, No.1,
Parliament Street, New Delhi, India
16
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Mr. Mahmood Mohammadian, Deputy Director, Roads and Transportation Bureau,
Management and Planning Organization, Babarestan Square, 11494 Tehran, Islamic Republic
of Iran, Fax: (98 21) 311 4646, Tel: (98 21) 3272202, 878 0026
NEPAL
Mr. Bhagabati Kumar Kafle, Joint Secretary, National Planning Commission Secretariat,
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal, Fax: (977-1) 4226500, Tel: (977-1) 4227657, Re: (9771) 4431681, email: [email protected]
Mr. Suresh Kumar Regmi, Deputy Director General, Planning and Design Branch,
Department of Roads, Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu,
Nepal, Fax: (977-1) 2426 2356, Tel: (977-1) 4258154, 4413228
PAKISTAN
H. E. Mr. Mohammad Shahid Jamail Qureshi, Minister of State for Communications,
Government of Pakistan
Mr. Mussadaq M. Khan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Government of
Pakistan, Block D, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Major General Farrukh Javed, Chairman, National Highway Authority, 27, Mauve Area, G9/1, Islamabad, Pakistan
Mr. Atiq Ahmad, Director, Communications Division, Ministry of Communications, Block
D, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Fax. (92 51) 9205454, 9220899, Tel. (92 51) 9225401
Mr. S. A. Latif, General Manager (Planning), National Highway Authority, 27, Mauve Area,
G-9/1, Islamabad, Fax. (92-51) 9260346, Tel. (92-51) 9261052
SRI LANKA
Ms. H. M. Mallika Dissanayake, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Highways, 9th Floor,
Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, Fax: (94 11) 2887466, Tel: (94 11) 2862 712,
2943516, email: [email protected]
Mr. Piyankarage Dayananda, General Manager, Road Development Authority, 9th Floor,
Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, Fax: (94-1) 2872272, Tel: (94 11) 2862795, 277 4747,
email: [email protected]
………………………………..
17
SPECIALIZED AGENCIES AND RELATED ORGANIZATIONS
World Bank
Mr. Guang Z. Chen
Sector Manager, Transport
South Asia Region
World Bank
Washington DC 204 33
USA
Fax: (1-202) 522 2418
Tel: (1-202) 458 7474
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Zafar Raja
Transport Specialist
World Bank
Pakistan Country Office
……………………………………………
INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
Asian Development Bank
Mr. Sangpa Tamang
Principal Project Implementation Specialist
and Head, Portfolio Management Unit
Pakistan Resident Mission
Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Build.
Sharah-e-Jamhuriayat, G-5/2
Islamabad, Pakistan
Fax: (92 51) 2823324, 2274718
Tel: (92 51) 2825011-16
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Prodyut Dutt
Transport Specialist
Transport and Communications Division
South Asia Department
6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City
0401 Metro Manila, Philippines
Fax: (63-2) 632 5265
Tel: (63-2) 632 6852
Email: [email protected]
18
Economic Cooperation Organization
Mr. Masroor A. Junejo
Deputy Secretary General
Transport and Communications
Economic Cooperation Organization
Secretariat, No. 1
Golbou Alley, Kamranieh
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Fax: (98 21) 283 1732
Islamic Development Bank
Mr. Abu Reza
Senior Economist
Country Operations Department – 1
Jeddah
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
FAX: (966 2) 6366 871
Japan Bank for International Cooperation
Mr. Manabu Sawa
Representative
JBIC
Islamabad, Pakistan
Fax: (92-51) 282 2546
Tel: (92-51) 282 0119
Email: [email protected]
Japan International Cooperation Agency
Mr. Noboru Kondo
JICA Adviser
National Highway Authority
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: (92-51) 9261 386
Mob: (92 32) 4508 089
Email: [email protected]
…………………………………………
19
SECRETARIAT
Mr. Barry Cable
Director
Transport and Tourism Division
Mr. John Moon
Chief
Transport Infrastructure Section
Transport and Tourism Division
Mr. Madan B. Regmi
Economic Affairs Officer
Transport Infrastructure Section
Transport and Tourism Division
………………………………………..
20