Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to complete the Multan-Muzaffargarh-Mianwali Highway within two months and submit a feasibility report for the proposed 123-kilometre Mansehra-Naran model project.
During a meeting with NHA officials, the federal minister directed the authority to prepare the feasibility study for the Mansehra-Naran project, saying the initiative could prove significant for promoting tourism and strengthening trade links with China.
The minister was briefed on progress and development plans concerning the Mansehra-Naran-Jhalkhad-Chilas highway. Following the briefing, the meeting decided to initiate international tendering for the proposed Guru Nanak Expressway.
Aleem Khan said the Guru Nanak Expressway would have special significance for the Sikh community and directed that international investment be explored for the project. He said Sikh communities in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States would be invited to participate in investment opportunities related to the expressway.
The meeting also reviewed construction work on various sections of the Grand Trunk (GT) Road between Rawalpindi and Peshawar.
The federal minister instructed the NHA to complete the Multan-Muzaffargarh-Mianwali Highway within two months and ensure full compliance with road safety standards. He stressed that the safety of citizens must remain the top priority on national highways and motorways.
The meeting also approved the construction of safety fencing as part of the expansion of the Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad M-4 Motorway. Aleem Khan further directed that rest areas and washrooms be provided on both sides of newly constructed highways. He also stressed that completed projects should meet high standards of safety, functionality and aesthetics.
The meeting decided to make green belts mandatory in all new highway and motorway projects. The minister directed the NHA to formally incorporate horticulture into its development projects to improve the overall appearance of roads and motorways.