Mansehra–Muzaffarabad–Mirpur Expressway

The Mansehra–Muzaffarabad–Mirpur Expressway (MMM Expressway) is a significant motorway project in Pakistan, connecting the cities of Mansehra, Muzaffarabad, and Mirpur. The project is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is considered of exceptional significance by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government.[1][2][3]

Mansehra–Muzaffarabad–Mirpur Expressway
Route information
Length200 km (120 mi)
Major junctions
North endMansehra
South endMirpur
Location
CountryPakistan
RegionsKhyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Major citiesMansehra, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur
Highway system

The initiative aims to boost industrial expansion in manufacturing and exportation. Concerning its environmental effects, both the Pakistani and AJK governments are dedicated to preventing any environmental harm and adhering to the most rigorous environmental regulations. Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) findings are incorporated into every developmental endeavor. Additionally, the initiative is anticipated to encourage sustainable tourism and create pathways for biological and wildlife preservation.[4][1]

Background

The MMM Expressway is a four-lane divided expressway that covers about 200 kilometers.[5] Its purpose is to connect various districts within the state, contributing to the overall social and economic development.[6] This expressway is anticipated to cut down travel time between Jehlum and Mansehra from five hours to two and a half hours.[5]

Although there has been advancement, certain CPEC projects in Azad Kashmir, including the MMM Expressway, have encountered obstacles and experienced delays. These delays lead to increased expenses and impede the state's economic growth and regional connections.[7] To tackle these challenges, relevant ministries and divisions have been instructed to present proposals addressing the issues faced in their respective projects.[8]

The executive board of the National Highway Authority (NHA) has given the approval for the construction of the MMM Expressway by approving its PC-1. This comes after the completion of thorough feasibility studies and detailed project design.[5]

Connection to Hazara Motorway
Main article: Hazara Motorway

The Mansehra–Muzaffarabad–Mirpur Expressway is connected to the Hazara Motorway via Pano Dheri and Gujjar Galli. The federal government has approved PKR 2 billion for the construction of the Potha Interchange that will connect the Hazara Motorway with the MMM Motorway. This interchange will decrease travel time for the residents of Mansehra City and surrounding areas who had to use the Qalandarbad Interchange through the Karakoram Highway to reach the Hazara Motorway.[9][10][11]


References
  1. "AJK terms MMMM Expressway project of exceptional significance". The Nation. December 29, 2018.
  2. "Mirpur-Muzaffarabad-Mansehra Road | China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Secretariat Official Website".
  3. "Masood Terms Mansehra- Mirpur Expressway Crucial for AJK".
  4. "CPEC projects in AJK to be made environment-friendly". 23 July 2017.
  5. "NHA Executive Board approves PC-1 for MMM Expressway". www.thenews.com.pk.
  6. "AJK terms MMMM Expressway project of exceptional significance. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com.
  7. "CPEC projects in Azad Kashmir turn murky". www.thenews.com.pk.
  8. Ahmadani, Ahmad (February 18, 2021). "Ministries, divisions asked to remove bottlenecks hampering CPEC progress". Profit by Pakistan Today.
  9. "PM Shehbaz inaugurates CPEC Link Mansehra-Muzaffarabad Expressway". www.gwadarpro.pk.
  10. Masood, Iqra (December 20, 2022). "Funds approved to link Hazara, Mansehra Motorway- Zameen News". Pakistan Real Estate News & Pakistan Property News & Latest Updates - Zameen News.
  11. "Government Approves Rs. 2 Billion to Connect Hazara Motorway with Mansehra-Muzaffarabad Motorway - ProProperty".
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