Federal Minister Approves 172km Motorway Project to Boost Connectivity Between Mansehra and Chilas

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan on Tuesday gave approval to a new 172-kilometre state-of-the-art motorway project linking Mansehra to Kaghan, Naran, Jhal Khand, and Chilas, offering a safer alternative to the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

The approval was granted during a National Highway Authority (NHA) meeting chaired by the minister, where key infrastructure modernisation decisions were endorsed. Communications Secretary and NHA Chairman Capt (retd) Asadullah Khan also attended the session.

During the meeting, officials informed participants that the MNJC motorway would reduce travel distance on the KKH by up to 120 kilometres. The project will be executed in two phases: the first covering Mansehra to Kaghan, Naran, and Babusar Top, and the second phase spanning Babusar Top to Chilas.

A key feature of the project is the proposed 13.5-kilometre Babusar Tunnel, which will become the longest tunnel in Pakistan upon completion.

The four-lane motorway, designed with future scalability in mind, will include modern rest areas every 25-30 kilometres and freight terminals at both ends of the route.

Minister Khan highlighted the project’s economic importance, noting that current trade routes from the Arabian Sea to China are time-intensive and cost-prohibitive. The new motorway will directly connect western China to the ports of Karachi and Gwadar, offering what he described as the fastest, shortest, and most cost-effective transit route.

The minister said the project represents a significant milestone for the sustainable development of Gwadar Port and directed NHA officials to finalise all technical aspects within the stipulated timeline.

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