The National Highway Authority (NHA) has approved the construction of a 235-kilometer, four-lane motorway connecting Mansehra to Chilas via Kaghan, Naran, and Jalkhad, in a move experts say will significantly enhance Sino-Pak trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.
The new route is expected to reduce travel time between Mansehra and Chilas from nearly seven hours to just two, while offering year-round accessibility to Pakistan’s northern regions. Currently, the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road and Babusar Pass remain closed for almost six months every year due to heavy snowfall, cutting off a key tourism and trade link.
Authorities have proposed the use of tunnels and snow protection systems to keep the motorway operational during winter, allowing uninterrupted movement of goods and travelers.
Federal planners have ordered immediate initiation of the project, citing its critical role in strengthening the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and unlocking the region’s economic potential. Experts believe this route will not only support trade with China but also boost local livelihoods by opening new opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and transport sectors.
The project is part of broader efforts to modernize Pakistan’s infrastructure and establish more resilient supply chains through improved road networks.
