Islamabad: The Auditor General of Pakistan has expressed concerns over delays in the installation of the electronic toll system by the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the inadequate provision of facilities on the country's motorways.

According to documents released by the Auditor General, NHA awarded a contract worth Rs 12.2 billion to the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) for the installation, maintenance, and collection of electronic toll taxes on M-1, E-35, M-14, M-3, M-4, and M-5 motorways, with a completion period of eight months. Audit findings indicate that NHA had already paid over Rs 7.31 billion to FWO across four invoices.

The audit raised several objections regarding the contract:

While FWO was assigned toll collection, it did not take steps to recover previous outstanding dues as per SOPs.

No insurance policy was taken as required under the contract rules.

FWO failed to complete work within the stipulated timeframe, but NHA did not impose any penalty.

Payments were made according to schedule, without verifying work completion by the contractor.

FWO did not provide certificates or information about the equipment manufacturer used in the electronic toll system, and no pre-installation checks were conducted.

On the M-1 motorway, dim streetlights created difficulties for travelers despite repeated complaints.

Although FWO shared toll revenue profits, facilities were not adequately provided to commuters.

NHA officials stated that FWO has been working on the M-Tec system since 2016 and all equipment has been checked. Officials also noted that while verification of all collections and payments is ongoing, penalty recovery has not been possible due to economic conditions and policy changes.

Discussions are ongoing with FWO regarding the lack of facilities on M-1 and other motorways.