By The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has stepped up efforts to improve provincial connectivity as Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on the province’s flagship road sector projects. The meeting focused on three major infrastructure initiatives: Swat Motorway Phase II, Peshawar–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, and the Dir Motorway.
Officials from relevant departments briefed the chief minister on the current status of each project, highlighting technical, administrative, and legal challenges. Following the briefing, the provincial government took several key decisions aimed at accelerating development and ensuring timely execution.
Immediate Construction of Swat Motorway Phase II
The chief minister directed authorities to initiate construction work on Swat Motorway Phase II at the earliest, terming it a flagship project of the KP government. He instructed concerned departments to resolve all technical and administrative hurdles without delay.
Swat Motorway Phase II will span 80 kilometers, extending from the Chakdara Interchange to Fatehpur. The project includes nine interchanges and seven bridges at various locations across the Swat River. Once completed, the motorway is expected to significantly improve travel time, enhance road safety, and boost tourism and economic activity in Swat and surrounding regions.
Peshawar–DI Khan Motorway to Begin Soon
During the meeting, Chief Minister Afridi also announced that the government will soon lay the foundation stone of the Peshawar–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway. The 365-kilometer-long motorway is one of the largest road infrastructure projects in the province.
The project will feature 19 interchanges and two tunnels, providing a modern, high-speed corridor connecting southern KP with the provincial capital. Both the Peshawar–DI Khan Motorway and Swat Motorway Phase II will be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, aimed at ensuring efficiency, transparency, and timely completion.
Dir Motorway to Be Built with Provincial Resources
For the Dir Motorway, the meeting decided in principle that the project will be constructed entirely using provincial government resources. The chief minister directed relevant departments to swiftly complete all legal and administrative requirements so that practical work can begin.
He emphasized that the KP government is utilizing available resources effectively and transparently to promote development, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the province. The Dir Motorway is expected to improve access, reduce travel hardships, and support long-term economic growth in Upper Dir and nearby districts.
Boost to Regional Connectivity and Economic Growth
These road infrastructure projects reflect the KP government’s commitment to improving connectivity, supporting trade, and enhancing regional integration. Once completed, they are expected to transform transportation networks, facilitate tourism, and contribute to sustainable development across the province.
