Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has presided over a high-level meeting of the National Highway Authority where key decisions were taken to strengthen Pakistan’s motorway network. The most significant announcement was the approval to expand the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway from two lanes to three lanes on each side.
Lahore-Sialkot Motorway Expansion Begins
Work on converting the existing two-lane Lahore-Sialkot Motorway into a three-lane facility will start soon. The Federal Minister directed the NHA to fast-track the project so that commuters can enjoy smoother and safer travel. This upgrade will directly ease congestion on one of the busiest corridors connecting two major industrial cities.
Similar instructions were issued for the Sialkot-Kharian and Islamabad Motorway sections. Both stretches will now be built as full three-lane dual carriageways from the beginning. Officials believe these changes will improve traffic flow and reduce journey times significantly.
New 6-Lane Policy for Future Projects
The minister announced a clear policy shift: no future motorway will be constructed with fewer than three lanes on each side, making every new project a full six-lane highway. He stressed that Pakistan must plan infrastructure for tomorrow’s needs, not just today’s traffic.
In the same meeting, the minister asked the NHA to speed up work on the Sialkot-Rawalpindi Motorway in collaboration with the Frontier Works Organization. Once completed, this route will cut the distance between Lahore and Islamabad by nearly 100 kilometres and save at least one hour of travel time. It will also take heavy pressure off the existing M-2 motorway.
The decisions reflect the government’s commitment to modernising the national highway system. By building wider and safer roads, Pakistan aims to support faster economic growth and better connectivity between provinces. Experts say such upgrades will encourage more trade and tourism while giving citizens a world-class driving experience.