KP Government Approves Margalla Hills Twin Tunnels Project

In a landmark infrastructure move, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved the construction of two twin tunnels through the Margalla Hills, a long-awaited project set to transform regional connectivity between Haripur and Islamabad.

Officials confirmed that once completed, the tunnels will cut the distance between the two cities to just 8 kilometres, reducing travel time to only 10–15 minutes.

Project Details and Timeline

The Margalla Hills Twin Tunnels project will:

• Directly connect the Hazara Motorway (M-15) with Islamabad’s D-12 sector
• Be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model
• Start construction in December 2025 and conclude by December 2028
• Include state-of-the-art illumination and safety systems, built to international standards

The KP government has allocated Rs. 1 billion for the first year under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025, while the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has pledged cooperation.

Overcoming Two Decades of Delays

Sources in the Hazara Development Authority revealed that the project had faced nearly 20 years of delays, mainly due to funding shortages and shifting government priorities.

This time, however, the KP government appears determined to see it through, even if federal participation remains limited. Officials stressed that the project is strategically important for regional development and cannot be postponed further.

Expected Benefits of the Twin Tunnels

The Margalla Hills Twin Tunnels are expected to bring wide-ranging benefits, including:

• Faster travel times for commuters and businesses
• Reduced traffic congestion in existing routes to Islamabad
• Improved regional connectivity, linking Hazara with the federal capital
• Economic growth, including new opportunities in trade, tourism, and real estate

By offering a direct link between Haripur and Islamabad, the project is expected to ease daily commuting and strengthen integration between KP and the federal capital.

The approval of the Margalla Hills Twin Tunnels project marks a major breakthrough in addressing long-standing connectivity challenges in northern Pakistan. With construction scheduled to begin in December 2025, the project promises to not only save travel time but also fuel economic growth, regional development, and modern infrastructure expansion.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article regarding the Margalla Hills twin tunnels project is based on official announcements and available reports at the time of publication. Project timelines, costs, and features are subject to change depending on government approvals, funding availability, and execution challenges. Readers are advised to refer to updates from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and relevant authorities for the most accurate and current details.

Afsheen Gohar

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