RAWALPINDI: National Logistics Cell (NLC) will set up international standard rest area on major highways in Balochistan to facilitate truckers and commuters.
In this connection, first rest area of its kind is being established on N-40 near Dalbandin to serve traders and truckers engaged in Pakistan–Iran bilateral trade as well as pilgrims (Zaireen) to the holy places in the brotherly country. Later on, such facilities will be set up on other important roads from Quetta to Chaman, Karachi, Taftan and Gwadar.
The facility is part of Drivers Emergency & Rest Areas (DERA) project of NLC Trucking & Bus Service (NTBS). In first phase, DERAs are being set up on N-5 which will be subsequently extended to all national highways including CPEC Routes.
The foundation laying ceremony of DERA was held at Dalbandin. Project Director Brig Umar Farooqi, local commanders of the security forces, elders of the Sanjrani tribe and residents of the area attended the ceremony. The project will be completed by the end of the current year.
N-40, also known as “London road”, is critical link between the two countries which caters to bulk of goods trade between Pakistan and Iran. Most of the people visiting holy places in Iran also use this important route which is devoid of facilities for truckers in general and commuters in particular. DERA will offer latest facilities to road users in highly secured environment including fuel stations, workshops, tyre shop, masjid, washrooms, trucker hotels, DERA mart, restaurants, parking bay and other entertainment facilities. The facility, apart from creating socio-economic activities in the area will also be helpful in encouraging domestic and regional tourism.
It is worth mentioning here that NLC has set up a separate Project Directorate for development works in Balochistan. NLC has completed important projects like Sibbi-Kohlu Road, Kajori-Bawata Road, restoration of Sibbi-Harnai Railways track, Cadet College Sui and several other important projects in recent past.
