List of Motorways in Pakistan

Pakistan boasts an extensive and well-developed network of motorways, which plays a crucial role in boosting economic activities, enhancing connectivity, and reducing travel times across the country. Managed and maintained by the National Highway Authority (NHA), the motorway system in Pakistan is continuously expanding, with numerous projects under construction or in the planning stages. Here is a detailed and updated List of Motorways in Pakistan.

1. M-1: Islamabad – Peshawar Motorway

• Length: 155 km
• Route: Connects Islamabad to Peshawar via Burhan and Swabi.
• Key Features: This six-lane motorway is one of the oldest in Pakistan and serves as a vital link between the federal capital and the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

2. M-2: Lahore – Islamabad Motorway

• Length: 375 km
• Route: Connects Lahore to Islamabad via Sheikhupura and Chakwal.
• Key Features: As the first motorway in Pakistan, M-2 is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and scenic beauty.

3. M-3: Lahore – Abdul Hakeem Motorway

• Length: 230 km
• Route: Links Lahore to Abdul Hakeem and serves as an integral part of the Lahore-Karachi motorway corridor.
• Key Features: Reduces travel time and facilitates trade activities between major cities in Punjab.

4. M-4: Pindi Bhattian – Multan Motorway

• Length: 309 km
• Route: Extends from Pindi Bhattian to Multan via Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, and Khanewal.
• Key Features: Connects central Punjab to southern Punjab, significantly improving logistics.

5. M-5: Multan – Sukkur Motorway

• Length: 392 km
• Route: Runs from Multan to Sukkur as part of the Karachi-Peshawar corridor.
• Key Features: Provides an efficient trade route and is a key segment of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

6. M-6: Sukkur – Hyderabad Motorway

• Length: 306 km (under construction)
• Route: Will connect Sukkur to Hyderabad, completing the Karachi-Peshawar motorway.
• Key Features: Once completed, it will ensure uninterrupted motorway connectivity between Karachi and Peshawar.

7. M-7: Dadu – Hub Motorway

• Length: 270 km (planned)
• Route: Will link Dadu in Sindh to Hub in Balochistan.
• Key Features: Aims to enhance regional connectivity between Sindh and Balochistan.

8. M-8: Ratodero – Gwadar Motorway

• Length: 892 km (partially operational)
• Route: Connects Ratodero in Sindh to the port city of Gwadar in Balochistan.
• Key Features: A strategic route under CPEC, crucial for linking Gwadar to the rest of the country.

9. M-9: Karachi – Hyderabad Motorway

• Length: 136 km
• Route: Connects Karachi to Hyderabad.
• Key Features: A heavily utilized six-lane motorway, facilitating trade and travel between Sindh’s two largest cities.

10. M-10: Karachi Northern Bypass

• Length: 57 km
• Route: Provides an alternate route for heavy traffic around Karachi.
• Key Features: Reduces congestion within Karachi by diverting freight vehicles.

11. M-11: Lahore – Sialkot Motorway

• Length: 91 km
• Route: Links Lahore with Sialkot, passing through Narowal.
• Key Features: Enhances trade and travel for one of Pakistan’s major industrial regions.

12. M-14: Hakla – Dera Ismail Khan Motorway

• Length: 285 km
• Route: Connects Hakla near Islamabad to Dera Ismail Khan.
• Key Features: Facilitates travel to the less-developed southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

13. M-15: Hazara Motorway

• Length: 180 km
• Route: Extends from Hassan Abdal to Thakot, passing through Haripur, Abbottabad, and Mansehra.
• Key Features: Plays a vital role in promoting tourism in northern Pakistan.

14. M-16: Swabi – Chakdara Motorway (under construction)

• Length: 88 km
• Route: Will connect Swabi to Chakdara, enhancing access to the Malakand region.
• Key Features: Aimed at boosting regional development and tourism.

Upcoming Motorway Projects: List of Motorways in Pakistan

Apart from the operational motorways, several projects are in the planning or development stages:

• M-17: Gwadar – Turbat – Hoshab Motorway.
• M-18: Karachi Eastern Bypass.

Importance of Motorways in Pakistan: List of Motorways in Pakistan

The motorway network in Pakistan has revolutionized travel and trade. It ensures faster and safer transportation, reduces vehicle operating costs, and promotes economic integration across provinces. Additionally, motorways play a vital role in the success of CPEC by providing world-class infrastructure to support trade between Pakistan and China.

Conclusion

The motorways in Pakistan represent a significant leap forward in infrastructure development, with their expansion promising further economic growth and connectivity. As new projects come to fruition, the motorway network will continue to serve as the backbone of Pakistan’s transportation system, linking regions, fostering development, and bridging distances.