The federal government has announced the epoch-making approval of the construction of a new motorway (MNJC) that will connect Mansehra with Gilgit-Baltistan via Kaghan, Naran, Jalkhad, and Chilas
The approval of this historic move was granted during a meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA) chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Tuesday. During the session, the minister was briefed on ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects.
Abdul Aleem Khan said the new motorway will serve as a safe and efficient alternative to the Karakoram Highway (KKH). He added that the route is expected to reduce travel distance on the KKH by up to 120 kilometers, while the total length of the new motorway will be 172 kilometers.
According to the minister, the project will be divided into two phases. The first phase spread from Mansehra to Kaghan, Naran, and Babusar Top, while the second phase will extend from Babusar Top to Chilas.
He further announced that the project also encompasses the construction of a 13.5-kilometer Babusar Tunnel, which is planned to become the longest tunnel in Pakistan. The motorway is initially planned to be built as a four-lane road but will be designed for future expansion up to six lanes.
Modern rest and recreation spots will be established every 25 to 30 kilometers, along with dedicated trucking terminals on both sides to facilitate freight transport.
Talking about the economic importance of the project, the minister said traditional trade routes from the Arabian Sea to China are time-consuming and costly. In contrast, he said the new motorway will be integrated into a faster transport network linking western China with Pakistan’s ports in Karachi and Gwadar.
He termed the project as a potential gamechanger for regional trade and the development of Gwadar Port, offering a shorter, faster, and more cost-effective route for transit between the Arabian Sea and western China.
