The Pakistani government decided Thursday to extend the Murree Expressway by 70 kilometers [1] to reach Muzaffarabad [1].
This expansion aims to improve road connectivity across the region, reducing travel times and facilitating easier movement between major hubs. The project represents a strategic effort by the state to upgrade critical transport infrastructure in challenging terrain.
Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan presided over the meeting to review the National Highway Authority [1]. During the session, officials discussed the technical requirements and the timeline for the extension. The decision follows a series of reviews regarding the efficiency of existing routes and the need for expanded capacity to handle increasing traffic volumes [2].
Work on the road has been ongoing under Khan’s tenure, he said [1]. The project will integrate the existing expressway with the route leading to Muzaffarabad, creating a more seamless link for commuters and commercial transport [2].
The National Highway Authority will oversee the implementation of the 70-kilometer [1] extension. This involves surveying the landscape, and managing the construction of the new segments to ensure they meet safety and engineering standards for high-altitude roads [2].
Government officials said the move is part of a broader plan to enhance the national road network. By extending the expressway, the administration intends to stimulate economic activity in the connected areas and provide better access for residents and tourists visiting the region [2].
“The government decided Thursday to extend the Murree Expressway by 70 kilometers to reach Muzaffarabad.”
The extension of the Murree Expressway is a significant logistical move that links the hill station of Murree more directly with the administrative center of Muzaffarabad. By reducing the friction of travel in these mountainous areas, the government is likely attempting to boost regional trade and tourism while strengthening the physical infrastructure connecting these key locations.
