The federal government has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to fast-track the Sialkot-Rawalpindi motorway, a project anticipated to reduce the distance between Lahore and Islamabad by approximately 100 kilometres and shorten travel time by at least one hour.
According to a report today, Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stated that the completion of this essential corridor is expected to significantly alleviate the traffic congestion on the existing M-2 motorway and substantially enhance the commuting experience between the nation”s key urban centres.
The instructions were issued during a high-level NHA meeting where a major policy shift was announced. Mr Khan declared that all future motorway projects would be constructed with a minimum of three lanes on each side, establishing a six-lane configuration as the new standard for national highways.
In line with this new policy, the assembly decided to expand the current Lahore-Sialkot Motorway from a two-lane to a three-lane facility. Directives were also issued to accelerate construction on the Sialkot-Kharian and Islamabad Motorway, confirming that these routes will also be developed as three-lane dual carriageways.
To bolster religious tourism, the meeting also reviewed proposals to connect Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib directly to the motorway network. These planned highways will feature three lanes and high-standard safety fencing to ensure secure and efficient transit for pilgrims.