Aleem Khan approves 172km motorway from Mansehra to Chilas via Kaghan

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan on Tuesday approved the construction of a new motorway linking Mansehra, Kaghan, Naran, Jhal Khand and Chilas, aimed at providing a safer alternative to the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

The decision was taken during a meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA) chaired by the minister. Secretary Communications and NHA Chairman Capt (retd) Asadullah Khan also attended the session, where officials briefed participants on both ongoing and proposed road infrastructure schemes.

According to the briefing given at the meeting, the Mansehra-Naran-Jhal Khand-Chilas (MNJC) motorway will stretch 172 kilometres and is expected to shorten travel on the KKH by up to 120 kilometres. The project is to be executed in two phases. In the first phase, the motorway will run from Mansehra to Kaghan, Naran and Babusar Top, while the second phase will cover the Babusar Top-to-Chilas section.

Project features

A key component of the plan is a 13.5km Babusar Tunnel, which officials said would be the longest tunnel in Pakistan. The motorway is being designed as a four-lane facility with the ability to expand to six lanes in the future.

Under the approved plan, modern rest areas will be established after every 25 to 30 kilometres for travellers, while freight terminals will be set up at both ends of the route.

Economic significance highlighted

During the meeting, Aleem Khan said trade moving from the Arabian Sea to China through existing routes had traditionally taken longer and involved considerable financial cost. He said the new motorway would create a direct connection between western China and the ports of Karachi and Gwadar.

The minister said the planned corridor would serve as the fastest, shortest and most cost-effective route from the Arabian Sea to western China, and would significantly cut transport time and expenses. He also described it as a real game-changer for the sustainable development of Gwadar Port.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the minister directed NHA officials to complete all technical work related to the project within the stipulated timeframe.