NHA approves 172km Mansehra-Chilas motorway via Kaghan and Naran

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has approved the construction of a 172-kilometre motorway connecting Mansehra and Chilas through Kaghan, Naran and Jhal Khand, according to an official statement.

The approval was granted during a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan. 

The proposed Mansehra-Naran-Jhal Khand-Chilas (MNJC) Motorway will serve as an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and is expected to reduce travel distance on the existing highway by up to 120 kilometres.

The project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will cover the section from Mansehra to Kaghan, Naran and Babusar Top, while the second phase will extend the motorway from Babusar Top to Chilas.

A key component of the project is the construction of a 13.5-kilometre Babusar Tunnel, which is expected to become the longest tunnel in Pakistan. The four-lane motorway will also be designed to allow future expansion to six lanes.

According to the plan, modern rest areas will be established every 25 to 30 kilometres along the route, while dedicated trucking terminals for freight transport will be developed on both sides of the motorway.

Speaking at the meeting, Abdul Aleem Khan said the new corridor would provide a direct connection between Western China and the ports of Karachi and Gwadar, offering an alternative trade route to existing networks.

He said the motorway would reduce travel time and transportation costs for cargo moving between the Arabian Sea and Western China and support connectivity with Gwadar Port.

The minister directed the relevant authorities to complete all technical planning and related requirements within the prescribed timeframe.

The meeting was also attended by the Secretary Communications and the Chairman of the National Highway Authority.