In a significant development for Punjab’s road network, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has given the green light to the much-anticipated Lahore-Sialkot Motorway Expansion project. This vital upgrade aims to transform intercity travel, reduce congestion on existing routes, and better connect major cities across the region.
Key Features of the Motorway Upgrade
The expansion plan includes widening the existing four-lane Lahore-Sialkot Motorway to six lanes, accommodating increasing traffic volume and ensuring smoother, safer travel. Even more importantly, the project will extend the route beyond Sialkot toward Kharian and Islamabad, creating a direct link that bypasses the heavily burdened Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2).
Once completed, the extended motorway is expected to reduce the travel distance by about 100 kilometers, saving commuters nearly an hour on trips between Lahore and Islamabad. The new link will be a game-changer for thousands of daily travelers from Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujar Khan, and Kharian, offering them a faster, modern alternative.
Government’s Long-Term Infrastructure Vision
The announcement was made during a high-level progress review at the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) Punjab Office, where Minister Khan stressed the need for strict quality control and timely project completion. He also directed officials to create a 30-year infrastructure development blueprint to meet Punjab’s future transport needs.
Another critical focus discussed was the speedy development of the Multan Road to Ring Road corridor, with Minister Khan issuing a clear warning against project delays and poor construction standards.
The meeting included senior officials such as the Federal Secretary for Communications, the Chairman of the NHA, and the CEO of the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), who provided detailed updates on Punjab’s current and upcoming infrastructure ventures.
A Step Towards Smarter Connectivity
The Lahore-Sialkot Motorway Expansion project is more than just a road upgrade — it represents the government’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, and integrated transport network for Pakistan. By providing an alternate high-speed route, the new link will help ease the pressure on the M-2, reduce fuel costs, and boost economic activity by improving the flow of goods and people across key cities.
With robust oversight and a clear vision for long-term development, Punjab’s improved motorway infrastructure is set to strengthen regional connectivity and support the province’s rapid urban and industrial growth.
