The long-awaited all-weather Mansehra–Chilas Motorway, a major regional connectivity project passing through the scenic Kaghan Valley, is finally moving toward groundbreaking. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Mohammad Yusuf announced that work would start soon, calling the motorway a transformative development for both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
A Game-Changer for Travel and Regional Connectivity
Speaking to reporters in Mansehra, the minister kept on explaining that the motorway was designed to provide a year-round travel corridor between KP and GB. Currently, the only direct route—the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road—remains shut for nearly half the year due to heavy snowfall from Naran to Babusar Top.
“This four-lane motorway is expected to be completed within two years and will dramatically minimize travel time between the two regions,” Mr. Yusuf said. He kept on emphasizing that the project has materialized due to the personal interest of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, and Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Haleem Khan.
Boost to Tourism, Economy, and Trade
The minister kept on highlighting that the motorway would open new doors for tourism, especially in winter when the MNJ Road becomes impassable. With uninterrupted access through Kaghan Valley, the government is hopeful to
- Introduce winter tourism
- Attract investment
- Create jobs in local communities
He added that the new artery will also relieve pressure on the Karakoram Highway (KKH), improving travel efficiency for both locals and tourists. Beyond domestic benefits, the motorway is anticipated to assist in strengthening trade with China, as a smoother KP–GB route will support the movement of goods toward the northern border.
Rebuilding and restructuring Education
In a separate development, authorities confirmed the completion of 33 government schools in Oghi tehsil that were destroyed in the 2005 earthquake. These schools had remained incomplete for years after being dropped from the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA)’s plans.
District Development Advisory Committee chairman Akramulla Ghazi said provincial government funds were finally used to finish the buildings and that student classes would begin soon.
Road Repairs and Public Oversight Encouraged
Mr. Ghazi also made a declaration regarding the release of Rs87 million for repairing the Shergar–Oghi–Mansehra Road and College Road, which had long caused difficulties for commuters. Additionally, the Manchora Dam Road will be re-carpeted due to substandard previous work.
He kept on urging the citizens to monitor development projects in their areas and report poor-quality construction. “People deserve accountability and durable infrastructure,” he said.