Key Takeaways
- The federal government has approved a Rs 17.012 billion project to improve a 39-kilometer stretch of National Highway N-45.
- The project aims to enhance road safety and boost trade and tourism in northern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- The project requires final approval from the ECNEC before it can proceed.
The federal government has given the green light to a significant infrastructure project, allocating Rs 17.012 billion to widen and improve a 39-kilometer section of National Highway N-45 between Chakdara and Timergara in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The project, which is part of a larger package of 14 development schemes, was reviewed by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and recommended for final approval by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
The proposed upgrade is expected to improve road safety and make travel more convenient for motorists, particularly those traveling to destinations such as Kalash, Shandur, and Kumrat.
The Chakdara–Timergara section of the highway is a crucial part of the northern road corridor, connecting several significant areas including Chakdara, Timergara, Dir, and Chitral.
The project is also anticipated to support local trade and tourism by enhancing access to these scenic and culturally rich destinations.
According to the sources, the project was among 14 development schemes reviewed by the CDWP, with a combined value of Rs 226.48 billion.
However, the project still requires the final approval of the ECNEC before it can move forward. Once approved, the project is expected to be financed by the Exim Bank.
The upgrade is expected to benefit the local economy by improving connectivity and accessibility to key areas, thereby boosting economic activities in the region.
