Asian – Dispatch

Pakistan has approved a series of major motorway expansion projects aimed at improving intercity connectivity and promoting religious tourism.

The initiatives include widening key motorway corridors and developing new links connecting Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib, two of Sikhism’s holiest sites, to facilitate easier access for pilgrims from India and the global Sikh diaspora while supporting Pakistan’s broader tourism and infrastructure growth strategy.

Key decisions were taken by the Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, on Wednesday as he chaired a high-level meeting to approve several major motorway expansion projects and initiatives aimed at promoting religious tourism in Pakistan, according to reports.

During the meeting, officials of the National Highway Authority outlined plans to upgrade key motorway corridors to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and support economic growth.

Among the key decisions, the Lahore–Sialkot Motorway will be expanded from two lanes to three lanes, with construction expected to begin soon.

Authorities also directed that work on expanding the Sialkot–Kharian Motorway and Islamabad Motorway sections to three lanes be accelerated to meet rising traffic demand.

Another major proposal involves developing the Sialkot–Rawalpindi Motorway in collaboration with the Frontier Works Organization. Once completed, the project is expected to shorten the distance between Lahore and Islamabad by around 100 kilometers, potentially reducing travel time by about one hour.

The government also approved plans to construct a secure three-lane motorway linking the Kartarpur Corridor and Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak. The project aims to facilitate easier travel for Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan from India and the global Sikh diaspora.

Officials said the initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to promote religious tourism and strengthen cross-border cultural ties.

In addition to road infrastructure, the minister stressed the need to develop tourism facilities such as three- to five-star hotels, shopping malls, and other visitor amenities along key routes to attract international tourists and investors.

The National Highway Authority has also been directed to organize international roadshows in Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States to highlight investment opportunities in Pakistan’s road infrastructure sector.

“These upgrades will reduce congestion, meet future travel demands, and significantly improve connectivity between major cities,” Aleem Khan said, emphasizing that the government is linking transportation development with trade, tourism, and economic growth.

Source: Bloom Pakistan