The federal government today revealed plans for a new motorway connecting Sialkot to Kartarpur, which will be officially named the “Guru Nanak Expressway,” as part of a broader strategy to link major Sikh religious sites to the national motorway system.
The decision was publicised by Minister for Communication Abdul Aleem Khan following a high-level meeting he chaired in the capital.
Minister Khan instructed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to initiate the construction process for the major infrastructure project, which aims to improve connectivity to Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib.
To secure foreign direct investment, the NHA is tasked with launching international marketing campaigns targeting the global Sikh diaspora in key locations such as London, Canada, and the United States. The minister underscored that these development projects will be featured in international roadshows to attract overseas capital.
In a move to accommodate visiting pilgrims, a range of 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels will be established along the new expressway. The development plan also includes the construction of modern rest areas and shopping complexes along the routes.
The communication minister also pointed out that the expressway is anticipated to deliver significant socio-economic advantages to nearby towns, specifically mentioning Narang Mandi and Baddomalhi.