Islamabad: Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has announced the Mansehra-Chilas Motorway to provide commuters with a safer alternative to the Karakoram Highway.
The Communication Minister made the announcement while chairing a high-level meeting of the National Highway Authority in Islamabad. The meeting approved steps to modernise Pakistan’s communication network.
Officials said the new motorway will run for 172 kilometres through Kaghan, Naran and Jhal Khand. They added that the route will reduce travel on the Karakoram Highway by up to 120 kilometres.
Abdul Aleem Khan said the project will move in two phases. The first phase will link Mansehra with Kaghan, Naran and Babusar Top, while the second phase will connect Babusar Top with Chilas.
The minister said the project includes a 13.5-kilometre Babusar Tunnel. He described it as Pakistan’s longest tunnel.
The four-lane motorway can later be expanded to six lanes. It will also include rest areas every 25 to 30 kilometres and trucking terminals on both sides.
Abdul Aleem Khan said the route will connect western China with Karachi and Gwadar ports. He said it will shorten transit time and lower transport costs.
