Pakistan Approves 172km Mansehra–Chilas Motorway to Transform Tourism and Trade

Pakistan has approved the 172-kilometer Mansehra–Chilas Motorway, a major infrastructure project designed to boost tourism, trade and regional connectivity. The motorway will include Pakistan's longest road tunnel at Babusar Top, reducing travel distance and improving year-round access. The project is expected to strengthen links between northern Pakistan, Western China and major seaports while supporting economic growth and tourism development.

Pakistan has approved a landmark motorway project connecting Mansehra, Kaghan, Naran and Chilas, a move expected to strengthen tourism, improve transportation infrastructure and enhance regional trade links. The project was approved during a meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA) chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan.

Key Highlights of the Project

Feature	Details
Total Length	172 Kilometers
Route	Mansehra – Kaghan – Naran – Jalkhad – Chilas
Construction Phases	2 Phases
Major Attraction	13.5km Babusar Tunnel
Strategic Benefit	Direct connectivity between Western China and Pakistan's ports
Expected Outcome	Enhanced tourism, trade and logistics

New Motorway to Reduce Travel Time

According to project officials, the new motorway will significantly shorten the journey between Mansehra, Kaghan and Chilas. The route is expected to reduce travel distance by approximately 120 kilometers, making northern areas more accessible for tourists and commercial transport.

Two-Phase Construction Plan

Phase One

Mansehra to Kaghan
Naran
Babusar Top

Phase Two

Babusar Top to Chilas

The phased approach aims to accelerate development while ensuring smooth execution of this large-scale infrastructure initiative.

Pakistan's Longest Tunnel to be Built at Babusar

One of the most significant components of the project is the construction of a 13.5-kilometer Babusar Tunnel, which will become the longest road tunnel in Pakistan once completed.

Expected Benefits of the Tunnel

All-weather connectivity between northern regions
Reduced travel disruptions caused by snowfall and landslides
Improved road safety
Faster movement of tourists and freight traffic

Boost for Tourism in Northern Pakistan

The motorway is expected to unlock new tourism opportunities across Kaghan Valley, Naran and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Tourism Benefits

Easier access to popular tourist destinations
Increased domestic and international visitor arrivals
Growth in hotel, transport and hospitality sectors
New employment opportunities for local communities

Tourism experts have consistently emphasized that improved transportation infrastructure is critical for increasing visitor numbers and enhancing travel experiences across Pakistan's scenic regions.

Strategic Trade Corridor for China and Pakistan

The new motorway is also expected to strengthen Pakistan's role as a regional trade hub.

Economic Advantages

Direct road connectivity between Western China and the ports of Karachi and Gwadar
Reduced transportation costs
Faster delivery of goods
Improved regional economic integration
Enhanced logistics efficiency for importers and exporters

Experts believe the route could become one of the fastest and most cost-effective corridors connecting Western China to the Arabian Sea.

How the Project Supports Pakistan's Economic Growth

Modern transportation networks play a crucial role in economic development by facilitating trade, tourism and investment. Improved connectivity can help reduce logistics costs, support regional development and create new business opportunities.

Potential Long-Term Impact

Increased tourism revenue
Greater trade volumes
Enhanced regional connectivity
Job creation during and after construction
Stronger economic integration with neighboring markets

The approval of the 172-kilometer Mansehra–Chilas Motorway marks a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan's transport infrastructure. With the construction of the country's longest tunnel, reduced travel distances and improved links to major trade corridors, the project is expected to become a major driver of tourism, commerce and economic growth in the coming years.