By Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday visited the Islamabad–Murree Expressway to review beautification, expansion, and overall development work, indicating that the project has entered its final phase. The expressway is a vital route for tourists and daily commuters traveling between the federal capital and Murree.
During the visit, the minister directed authorities to construct mosques at rest areas on both sides of the expressway, ensuring that each facility includes separate prayer spaces for women. He also ordered the development of proper ablution areas and supporting infrastructure to enhance convenience for travelers, particularly families and long-distance motorists.
Officials from the National Highway Authority (NHA) briefed the minister that all major construction activities on the Islamabad–Murree Expressway have been completed. According to the briefing, the project is now ready for inauguration by the Prime Minister in the near future. The remaining finishing work has been scheduled for completion within one week.
Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized that construction quality, safety standards, and long-term durability must be ensured. He stated that no compromise should be made on infrastructure integrity, especially given the expressway’s importance for tourism and heavy seasonal traffic.
The minister appreciated the NHA for maintaining high construction standards, highlighting improvements such as modern street lighting, landscaped green belts, service roads, and improved drainage systems. These features are expected to significantly enhance driving comfort and safety, especially during peak travel seasons.
A key development on the expressway is the launch of a new M-Tag–enabled toll plaza, aimed at reducing congestion and improving traffic flow through digital toll collection. This upgrade aligns with the government’s broader strategy to modernize Pakistan’s highway infrastructure.
Additionally, authorities have removed illegal road cuts and encroachments along the expressway, a move that has improved road safety and reduced travel time for motorists heading toward Murree.
The Islamabad–Murree Expressway development is a major step toward improving regional connectivity, promoting tourism, and supporting economic growth. With final upgrades underway, the expressway is expected to offer a safer, smoother, and more efficient travel experience upon its official inauguration.
