NHA Plans New Motorway Through Salt Range

Jawad

04 Jul 2024

353

NHA Plans New Motorway Through Salt Range

The Islamabad to Lahore Motorway (M2), Pakistan's first motorway, is a critical transportation link. However, the Salt Range section has become a notorious bottleneck. This 10-kilometer stretch with a steep 7% downward slope is known for slow speeds, frequent accidents, and challenges for large cargo vehicles.

NHA Plans Realignment

The National Highway Authority (NHA) is taking action to address these issues. Recognizing the dangers and limitations of the current route, they are planning a significant realignment project to improve safety and traffic flow.

Persistent Safety Issues

Since its opening in 1997, the Salt Range section has been a major concern. Traffic police report over 350 accidents and more than 200 lives lost in this area. The steep slopes and sharp curves make navigation difficult, especially for heavy vehicles. One particularly tragic incident involved a school bus with failing brakes, highlighting the urgency for improvement.

Proposals for a Safer Route

The NHA is exploring ways to realign the motorway in the Salt Range. This could involve constructing new lanes with gentler slopes or tunnels to bypass the most challenging sections. A realigned motorway would bring significant advantages, with safety as the top priority. This would lead to a reduction in accidents and increased speed limits, translating to shorter travel times between Islamabad and Lahore, benefiting commuters, businesses, and tourism.

Feasibility Study and Next Steps

The NHA is conducting a feasibility study to determine the most effective realignment strategy. This involves seeking expert advice from consulting firms and likely collaborating with construction companies to build the new route. While a similar project was considered in 2006 but not implemented, there is renewed hope for real progress with the NHA's current focus.

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