Islamabad: Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has announced the construction of the Mansehra to Chilas Motorway to facilitate commuters and provide a safe alternative route to the Karakoram Highway. He made the announcement while presiding over a high-level meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA) in Islamabad today.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting approved plans to modernize the country's communication network. It was revealed that the total length of the new Mansehra-Chilas Motorway will be 172 kilometers, passing through Kaghan, Naran, and Jhal Khand areas. This strategic alternative route is expected to reduce travel distance on the Karakoram Highway by up to 120 kilometers.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Aleem Khan stated that the project will be completed in two phases. The first phase will focus on building the Motorway from Mansehra to Kaghan, Naran, and Babusar Top. The second phase will extend the project from Babusar Top to Chilas. A major highlight of the project is the 13.5-kilometer-long Babusar Tunnel, which will be the longest tunnel in Pakistan.

The Minister also emphasized that the four-lane Motorway will have the capacity to expand to six lanes. Modern rest areas will be constructed every 25 to 30 kilometers for commuters, and specialized trucking terminals for goods transport will be established on both sides of the motorway.

Highlighting the economic significance, Abdul Aleem Khan noted that this new motorway will be directly linked with China, connecting Western China to the ports of Karachi and Gwadar. It promises to be the fastest, shortest, and most cost-effective route from the Arabian Sea to Western China, reducing transit times and expenditures.

Secretary Communications and Chairman National Highway Authority were also present during the meeting.