Rs58b set aside for Swat Motorway Phase-II
Continuing to deliver on the promises of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s uplift through development schemes, Chief Minster Mahmood Khan has announced to perform the groundbreaking of the Rs58billion Swat Motorway Phase-II, another mega project of Malakand Division, next week.
Chairing a meeting of the Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority on Monday, he directed authorities concerned to finalise all the necessary prerequisites and arrangements for beginning work on the project.
Elaborating the salient features of Swat Motorway Phase II, officials informed participants of the meeting that initially this motorway will consist of four lanes extendable to six lanes in the near future.
As many as nine interchanges would be constructed on this motorway including Chakdara Interchange, Shamozai Interchange, Barikot Interchange, Mingora Interchange, Kanju Interchange, Malam Jabba-University of Swat Interchange, Sher Palam Interchange, Matta Khawazakhela Interchange and Madin-Fatehpur Interchange.
At least eight bridges would be constructed on the Swat River. Construction of four rest areas at different locations is also part of the project while link highways would also be constructed on need basis.
Further on, the CM told quarters concerned to expedite the progress on Dir Motorway project as well and quickly process the PC1 for acquisition of land for it so that work on the project could be initiated without any delay.
The meeting reviewed in detail the overall progress on different road sector projects including Swat Motorway Phase II and Dir Motorway.
Briefing the meeting about progress on Swat Motorway Phase 2, the participants of the meeting were informed that a 88km long motorway from Chakdara to Fatehpur would be constructed at a total cost of Rs58billion, adding that a concessionaire agreement had been signed for the execution of the project while Rs6.7billion were released for the acquisition of land for the project.
Moreover, section 4 had been imposed for the acquisition of 70kms of land for the project.
Briefing about the Dir Motorway, officials informed that the Expression of Interest for 30 kms long Dir Motorway had been floated earlier, adding that the motorway would be constructed from Chakdara to Rabat.
As many as three interchanges, four flyovers, 24 bridges and two underpasses would also be constructed besides construction of two tunnels.
Talking on the occasion, the Chief Minister termed these projects as a milestone for the sustainable development of the area, saying that the construction of these projects would help to promote tourism, trade and business activities in the area.
Besides, providing quality transportation facilities these projects would also create employment opportunities for the local people.
Member of Provincial Assembly Akbar Ayub Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Secretary Finance Ikram Ullah Khan, Secretary Communications and Works Ijaz Ansari, Special Secretaries to CM Masood Younas and Muhammad Khaliq, Managing Director PHA and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2022.