PM to inaugurate motorway in D.I. Khan today

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will inaugurate the Hakla-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway on Tuesday in Dera Ismail Khan.

The project is an important part of western route of the China-Pakistan Econo­mic Corridor (CPEC) and its construction is the top priority of the PML-N government.

It is a 285-km-long motorway which will be completed in two years at cost of more than Rs142 billion.

Starting from D.I. Khan, the route will be linked with Mughalkot in Balochistan.

Officials of the National Highway Authority believe the road will help promote socio-economic bonds among Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Balochistan and Punjab.

Construction of the motorway has been divided into five packages. The route passes through Pindi Gheb, Sawan, Mianwali, Rokhri, Rehmani Khel and will terminate at Yarik (D.I. Khan).

The alignment of the motorway has been so designed as to pass through developing areas and its construction will generate new employment opportunities, an NHA official said.

With the completion of the project, easy and speedy transport will be available to the people and will contribute to improvement in health and education facilities. It will also enable local farmers and producers to easily transport their products to big markets.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2016