K-P fast-tracks Swat Motorway Phase II

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has directed the immediate initiation of construction work on Swat Motorway Phase II, declaring it a flagship project of the provincial government and assuring that all required resources will be provided on a priority basis to ensure timely completion.

Chairing a high-level meeting on major road sector projects on Saturday, the Chief Minister instructed the relevant departments to resolve all technical and administrative issues related to the project without delay. He emphasized that infrastructure development, particularly road connectivity, is vital for economic growth, tourism promotion, and improved access to remote areas of the province.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also announced that the groundbreaking ceremony of the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway would be held in the near future. He directed the concerned authorities to complete all preparatory work, including legal, financial, and technical requirements, at the earliest to avoid any delays in the commencement of construction.

The meeting conducted a detailed review of progress on three key projects: Swat Motorway Phase II, the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, and the proposed Dir Motorway.

It was decided in principle that the Dir Motorway would be constructed entirely through provincial resources. The Chief Minister instructed the departments concerned to expedite the completion of all legal and administrative formalities so that work on the Dir Motorway could begin as soon as possible.

Officials briefed the meeting that both Swat Motorway Phase II and the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway are being developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. In contrast, the Dir Motorway will be financed fully by the provincial government, reflecting its commitment to improving connectivity in comparatively underdeveloped and remote regions.

According to the briefing, Swat Motorway Phase II will span 80 kilometres, extending from Chakdara Interchange to Fatahpur. The project will feature nine interchanges and seven bridges at various locations over the Swat River, significantly improving travel facilities for residents and tourists alike. The motorway is expected to play a key role in boosting tourism and economic activity in Malakand division.

The Peshawar–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, another major infrastructure initiative, will be 365 kilometres long and will include 19 interchanges and two tunnels. Once completed, it is expected to provide a modern and efficient transport corridor linking the southern districts of the province with the provincial capital, reducing travel time and enhancing trade and mobility.