Pakistan’s National Highway Authority (NHA) has greenlit the construction of a 235-kilometer, four-lane motorway linking Mansehra to Chilas via Kaghan, Naran, and Jhal Kund, marking a pivotal advancement in infrastructure under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The project, designed to international standards, aims to slash travel time between these regions from seven hours to two while strengthening trade and tourism ties between Pakistan and China.
Federal Minister for Communications Asad Mahmood emphasized the urgency of the initiative, directing the NHA to “immediately declare an emergency for the commencement of the project” given its strategic significance. The motorway is expected to serve as a critical artery for CPEC, streamlining the movement of goods and passengers through Pakistan’s northern mountainous terrain.
The announcement follows the recent reopening of the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road in mid-May 2025 after a six-month winter closure caused by heavy snowfall. While tourists have begun returning to Kaghan Valley, the Babusar Pass—a vital connector between Naran and Chilas—remains shut due to snow accumulation. Authorities anticipate its reopening in the coming weeks as snow-clearing operations advance.
Experts highlight the motorway’s potential to resolve seasonal accessibility challenges. The existing route over the 13,700-foot Babusar Pass faces annual closures from late October to May due to snow and landslides, disrupting tourism, trade, and local mobility. NHA officials noted that incorporating modern engineering solutions—such as tunnels, snow galleries, and avalanche protection systems inspired by the Karakoram Highway—could transform the corridor into an all-weather route if built at lower elevations.
“The project’s success hinges on its final alignment,” stated an NHA spokesperson. “A rerouted motorway through lower valleys or with weather-resistant infrastructure could permanently eliminate winter closures, ensuring year-round connectivity.” Such improvements would not only sustain CPEC trade flows but also unlock tourism opportunities and safer travel for residents and visitors alike.
Local stakeholders and businesses have welcomed the development, citing its potential to stimulate economic growth in northern regions. However, concerns persist about the motorway’s design priorities, with some experts urging planners to prioritize climate-resilient features to address long-term environmental challenges.
