ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government is set to advance four significantmotorway projects, marking a major push in national infrastructuredevelopment. Three of these initiatives are concentrated in KhyberPakhtunkhwa, while the fourth completes the critical Sukkur-Hyderabad linkin Sindh. These projects promise enhanced connectivity, economic growth,and improved access to remote areas, addressing long-standing demands forbetter road networks across the country.
Recent decisions by provincial and federal authorities have acceleratedthese ventures. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Minister Muhammad SohailAfridi recently chaired a meeting that reviewed progress on flagship roadprojects. The focus was on initiating construction promptly, withassurances of resource allocation to ensure timely completion and maximumpublic benefit.
The Swat Motorway Phase II stands out as a priority. Spanning approximately80 kilometres from Chakdara to Fatehpur, it will feature nine interchangesand seven bridges over the Swat River. This extension aims to facilitatesmoother travel for residents and tourists, opening up upper Swat regionsthat have historically faced accessibility challenges due to rugged terrain.
Complementing this is the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, a365-kilometre route with 19 interchanges and two tunnels. Planned under apublic-private partnership model, its groundbreaking is expected soon. Thiscorridor will connect southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa more effectively tocentral areas, potentially reducing travel times and boosting tradeactivities in underserved districts.
The third project in the province, the Dir Motorway, will be fully fundedby provincial resources. Preparatory work is being expedited to commenceon-ground activities. This initiative reflects a commitment to developingremote northern areas, promoting tourism and local economies that relyheavily on improved transportation links.
Meanwhile, the federal government’s Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, known asM-6, is progressing towards construction in early 2026. This 306-kilometresix-lane highway will serve as the missing north-south link, connecting toexisting networks and facilitating faster movement of goods from Karachiport upwards. Funding arrangements for multiple sections are nearingcompletion.
These motorways are designed with modern standards, including accesscontrol and safety features. The public-private partnership approach forseveral segments is intended to leverage private investment while ensuringefficient execution. Experts note that such infrastructure cansignificantly contribute to regional development by lowering logisticscosts.
Economic analysts highlight potential benefits, including job creationduring construction phases and long-term gains from increased commerce. InKhyber Pakhtunkhwa, enhanced roads could revitalise tourism in scenicvalleys, while the Sukkur-Hyderabad route would ease congestion on existinghighways in Sindh, supporting industrial hubs.
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Challenges remain, such as land acquisition and environmentalconsiderations, but officials have emphasised resolving technical issuesswiftly. The projects align with broader national goals of integratingremote provinces into the mainstream economy through robust transportinfrastructure.
Overall, these four motorways represent a strategic investment inPakistan’s future connectivity. With construction timelines advancing,stakeholders anticipate transformative impacts on travel, trade, andsocio-economic conditions in the affected regions.
Source: https://propakistani.pk/2026/01/03/kp-to-get-three-new-motorways/
Tags: Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, SwatMotorway, Peshawar-DI Khan Motorway, Dir Motorway
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