Dir–Chitral Motorway

The Dir–Chitral Motorway is a proposed motorway project in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The project aims to provide a major boost to tourism and trade activities throughout the region.

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Dir–Chitral Motorway
دیر چترال موٹروے
Route information
Length29.4 km (18.3 mi)
ExistedProposed–present
Major junctions
South endChakdara
North endRabat town of Dir Lower
Location
CountryPakistan
RegionsKhyber Pakhtunkhwa
Major citiesDir, Chitral
Highway system
Motorways of Pakistan

The Dir–Chitral Motorway is a four-lane highway stretching 29.4 kilometres (18.3 mi), commencing and concluding within the Lower Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[1] It's slated for construction between Chakdara and Rabat town of Dir Lower, featuring two tunnels, with the lengthiest one spanning five kilometers within the Ouch mountain.[2] The anticipated cost of the undertaking is estimated at Rs. 40 billion.[3]

The initiative holds strategic significance, as it will establish a vital link between the Central Asian States and Pakistan.[4] Ultimately, the motorway will extend its connection to Chitral and Gilgit, resulting in a transformation of trade relations with China.[3]

Project status

As of the beginning of 2023, the KP government had concluded the feasibility study for the project and was in the final stages of administrative documentation.[1][5] The Public-Private Partnership committee had granted approval for the commercial and financial feasibility study.[6]

Controversies

The decision to put the Dir-Chitral expressway project on hold has drawn criticism from the communities of Dir, Bajaur, and Chitral.[7] Both political figures and civil society advocates are urging the government to resume the project within the framework of CPEC. They emphasize that this route, being the safest, shortest, and strategically crucial, would effectively connect Pakistan to the Central Asian States.[4]

References
  1. "KP govt completes Dir Motorway feasibility". March 2, 2022.
  2. "NHA completes survey of Dir-Chitral motorway". December 30, 2020.
  3. "Dir Motorway to connect KP's Malakand Division with China". www.gwadarpro.pk.
  4. "Govt asked to restore Chakdarra-Dir-Chitral motorway project". www.thenews.com.pk.
  5. Qureshi, Raiq (January 26, 2022). "Swat, Dir Motorways enter last stage of papers work, inauguration soon".
  6. "CM orders work on Dir Motorway stepped up". The Express Tribune. January 21, 2023.
  7. "Criticism as road project abandoned". www.thenews.com.pk.
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