CM Afridi also announces imminent groundbreaking of Peshawar–DI Khan Motorway
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has directed the swift commencement of construction work on the Swat Motorway Phase II, which is expected to be a major infrastructure milestone for the province.
Addressing a high-level meeting on road sector development, the Chief Minister emphasized that the provincial government will prioritize resources to ensure the timely completion of the project, which is considered a flagship initiative of the provincial administration.
The meeting, which focused on the progress of major motorway projects, also reviewed the ongoing efforts for the Peshawar–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway and Dir Motorway projects.
The meeting was attended by senior provincial officials, including Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Ikramullah, Secretary Finance, Secretary for Communication and Works, and other key stakeholders.
CM Afridi reiterated that all technical and logistical issues related to the Swat Motorway Phase II should be resolved without delay to ensure smooth progress.
“The Swat Motorway Phase II is an essential project for the economic development of the region. We are committed to ensuring its early completion to provide better connectivity for the people of Swat and surrounding areas,” said CM Afridi.
The Chief Minister also revealed that groundbreaking for the Peshawar–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway would be conducted soon, with preparations for the project to be completed promptly.
According to details provided during the briefing, the Swat Motorway Phase II will span 80 kilometers, running from the Chakdara Interchange to Fatahpur. The project will feature nine interchanges and seven bridges over the Swat River.
In addition, the Peshawar–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, which stretches over 365 kilometers, will incorporate 19 interchanges and two tunnels to facilitate traffic flow and enhance connectivity between the two major cities.
Both the Swat Motorway Phase II and the Peshawar–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, while the Dir Motorway, a separate initiative, will be fully funded by provincial resources.
A key point of discussion at the meeting was the Dir Motorway, which will be constructed entirely through provincial funding. The Chief Minister has instructed concerned authorities to expedite the legal and administrative formalities to kick-start the project.
Chief Minister Afridi stressed that these infrastructure projects align with the provincial government’s broader vision of fostering economic growth in remote areas.
“Our goal is to ensure the prosperity of people living in rural and far-flung regions. We are committed to the transparent and effective use of resources to achieve this,” he said.
