ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is planning a new motorway project to connect Mansehra, Kaghan, Naran, Jalkhad and Chilas, officials said following a high-level meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA) chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan.
According to officials, the Mansehra–Naran–Jalkhad–Chilas (MNJC) Motorway will be executed in two phases. In the first phase, the motorway will be constructed from Mansehra to Kaghan, Naran and Babusar Top. In the second phase, it will be extended from Babusar Top to Chilas.
The minister said the new motorway would be directly linked with China, further strengthening trade and economic connectivity between Pakistan and China. He added that the project would serve as a modern, safe and high-speed alternative to the Karakoram Highway.
Officials briefed the meeting that the 172-kilometre motorway would reduce travel distance on the Karakoram Highway route by around 120 kilometres. It would also improve access between western China and Pakistan’s ports in Karachi and Gwadar.
Abdul Aleem Khan described the project as a “game changer” for regional connectivity, saying it would provide the fastest land route from western China to the Arabian Sea and support the long-term development of Gwadar Port.
The briefing further said the project includes a 13.5-kilometre Babusar Tunnel, which would become Pakistan’s longest tunnel upon completion. The motorway is initially planned as a four-lane road, with provisions for future expansion to six lanes.
Officials said modern rest areas would be established every 25 to 30 kilometres, along with trucking terminals to support freight and commercial activity along the route.
The meeting was also attended by the Federal Secretary for Communications and the Chairman of NHA, who briefed the minister on technical, financial and administrative progress of the project.
