Government Approves 172-Kilometre Mansehra–Chilas Motorway Project
The federal government has approved the construction of a new 172-kilometre motorway designed to provide an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and improve regional connectivity in northern Pakistan.
The decision was announced by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan during a meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA), where ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects were reviewed.
According to officials, the proposed Mansehra–Naran–Chilas Motorway will pass through Mansehra, Kaghan, Naran, Jhal Khand, Babusar Top, and Chilas. The project is expected to reduce travel distance on the existing Karakoram Highway route by up to 120 kilometres.
The motorway is planned to be developed in two phases. The first phase will connect Mansehra with Kaghan and Naran up to Babusar Top, while the second phase will extend the route from Babusar Top to Chilas.
A key feature of the project is the proposed 13.5-kilometre Babusar Tunnel, which is expected to become the longest tunnel in Pakistan upon completion.
The motorway will initially be constructed as a four-lane highway, with provisions for future expansion to six lanes. The plan also includes modern rest areas at regular intervals and freight terminals at both ends of the route to support transport and logistics.
Officials stated that the new route is expected to improve travel efficiency and strengthen connectivity between northern regions and major economic corridors. It is also aimed at facilitating trade routes linking Pakistan’s ports with areas connected to western China.
The National Highway Authority has been directed to complete technical planning and preparatory work within the stipulated timeframe so that the project can move forward to the implementation phase.
