Seeking Solutions for the Sudden Implementation of ALR
Published on: April 1, 2024.
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Leading business leaders have proposed solutions to the problems caused by the sudden implementation of the Axle Load Regime (ALR) of the National Highway Safety Ordinance (NHSO) 2000. This regime, which was re-implemented on November 12, 2023, is negatively impacting local trade, exports, and imports. According to the authority, the ALR was imposed to address the issue of broken highways.
Past implementations of the ALR in 2019 also disrupted the supply chain of various commodities, including rice, wheat, fertilizers, cement, and more. The cost of implementing the ALR all at once would result in a wave of inflation, as billions of rupees have been spent on highways and motorways that cannot support heavy transport. To mitigate the negative effects on the economy, there is a need for a phased implementation of the ALR and the development of a policy through consensus among relevant industries and sectors.
In order to meet the government’s export commitments, Pakistan must significantly increase its exports. However, reducing the cost of transport is crucial for achieving this goal. This can be done by utilizing cheap waterways for shipments. Many traders, exporters, importers, and other road users argue that maintenance costs or the construction of additional roads should be borne by road users to support heavy vehicular traffic. They also propose the establishment of a Waterways Development Authority to construct waterways at a lower cost than other alternatives, such as ML-1.
The development of waterways will be more cost-effective for meeting the country’s growing transport requirements compared to building new roads. The Waterways Development Authority will propose legislation to regulate and manage waterways and facilitate private sector investment. Currently, citizens who have purchased land on waterfronts are unable to progress due to the lack of legislation.
Before fully implementing the ALR, there is a need to focus on rehabilitating the existing road infrastructure. Motorways and national highways, which make up only 5% of the national road grid, cater to 80% of the road traffic. It is important to reassess previous policies and take appropriate steps to ensure a smooth implementation of the ALR.
Business leaders emphasized that the ALR should not be strictly implemented as it would lead to a scarcity of food and other essential goods. The country does not have enough goods vehicles to meet the requirements of the ALR, and importing vehicles overnight would require significant financial resources. A long-term policy is needed to implement the ALR effectively.
According to leading experts, affordable mobility for people and goods is crucial for economic growth. Pakistan currently relies heavily on road transport, with limited alternatives such as railroads, waterways, airports, and mass transit systems.
According to the details of the ALR, approximately 350,000 units of various axle trucks are currently in operation across the country. The majority of these trucks are three-axle (10-wheelers) and six-axle (22-wheelers). The ALR has resulted in changes to the weight capacity of trailers and highwall trucks.
Overall, there is a need for a comprehensive approach to address the issues related to the ALR implementation. By considering the concerns raised by business leaders and experts, the government can develop a practical and effective plan that ensures the smooth functioning of trade, exports, and imports.
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