Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has approved the construction of a new motorway via Mansehra, Kaghan, Naran, Jhal Khand and Chilas to provide an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway (KKH).
The approval was granted during a meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA), which reviewed ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects. Communications Secretary and NHA Chairman retired Capt Asadullah Khan also attended the meeting.
Officials informed the meeting that the proposed Mansehra-Naran-Chilas (MNJC) Motorway will be 172 kilometers long and is expected to reduce travel distance on the Karakoram Highway by up to 120 kilometers.
According to the briefing, the project will be developed in two phases. The first phase will cover the route from Mansehra to Kaghan, Naran, and Babusar Top, while the second phase will extend from Babusar Top to Chilas.
A major component of the project is the planned 13.5-kilometer Babusar Tunnel, which is expected to become the longest tunnel in Pakistan.
The motorway will initially be built as a four-lane highway with provisions for future expansion to six lanes. The project also includes the construction of modern rest areas every 25 to 30 kilometers and freight terminals at both ends of the route.
During the meeting, the minister said the motorway would improve connectivity between Pakistan and China by providing a shorter and more efficient route linking the ports of Karachi and Gwadar with western China. He directed NHA officials to complete all technical requirements and planning work for the project within the stipulated timeframe.
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