By Mohsin Ali
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan is gearing up for one of the biggest infrastructure pushes in years, with the National Highway Authority (NHA) racing to wrap up nearly 39 major development projects worth more than Rs1.4 trillion during the current fiscal year 2025-26.
These massive road schemes, first approved last year under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), were revised from their initial cost of Rs1.11 trillion to Rs1.40 trillion. Though three projects were dropped along the way, the rest are moving forward at speed.
Trillions Already Spent
Out of the approved allocation, about Rs1.07 trillion has already been spent by July, with significant progress reported. The remaining work is expected to wrap up before the year ends. Funding for the schemes includes Rs56.7 billion in foreign aid and Rs1.35 trillion from local sources.
Major Roads Set to Open Soon
Some of the near-finished projects sound like a dream for long-suffering commuters:
- Dualization and improvement of old Bannu Road (three packages)
- New motorway from Burhan Hakla (M-1) to Dera Ismail Khan
- Construction of Kot Pindi Das interchange on Motorway M-2 (Sheikhupura district)
- Upgradation and widening of the Jaglot-Skardu Road
- Dualization of the Indus Highway (Sarai Gambila to Kohat section)
- Rehabilitation of the Awaran Jhalijao Road (54.8km)
- Additional 221km Indus Highway carriageway
- Construction of the Shandur-Gilgit Road
- Dualization of the Khuzdar-Kuchlak section (N-25)
- The much-anticipated Sialkot-Kharian Motorway
These projects, once complete, will significantly cut travel time, boost trade, and connect remote areas to major markets.
What’s Next? Five New Projects on the Table
Not stopping there, the NHA has pitched five new road schemes worth Rs49 billion, currently under review by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.
The proposals include:
- Slide shelters and protection works on the Jaglot-Skardu Road (S-1)
- Repair of adjoining roads connecting GT Road N-5 in Lahore (Shahdra Town)
- Widening of Motorways M-1 and M-2 plus the link road tied to the Rawalpindi Ring Road project
- Advanced slope stability measures (including open-cut tunnels) on the Kohala-Muzaffarabad Road
- Dualization of the Sialkot-Eimanabad route up to Kamoke, along with a new link road
The government has yet to give its green light, but once approved, these projects are expected to further expand Pakistan’s highway network.
The Big Picture
For a country where road infrastructure has often lagged behind demand, this wave of mega projects represents a massive shift. By the end of this fiscal year, Pakistan could see a modernized highway network that reshapes travel, trade, and connectivity across provinces.