The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government on Monday announced a historical budget of Rs 47.8 billion for the road network under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). According to Gwadar Pro, the road projects in the K-P budget 2022-23 include the construction of Swat Motorway Phase-II and the starting of practical work on Dir and D.I Khan Motorway.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the construction of its flagship project Swat Motorway Phase-II under Public Private Partnership Model.According to Finance Minister Taimur Salim Jhagra, the construction of these motorways will start this year to promote tourism and communication.

The 80-km-long Swat Motorway Phase II project would be constructed from Chakdara Interchange to Madyan Fatehpur Interchange. Initially, this motorway would have four lanes extendable to six lanes in the future. The corridor would have a total of 9 interchanges including Chakdara interchange, Shomozai interchange, Barikot interchange, Mingora interchange, Kanju interchange, Malam Jabba-University of Swat interchange, Sher Palam interchange, Matta-Khwaza Khela interchange and Madyan-Fatehpur interchange.

Besides, eight main bridges would be constructed at different sites of  river Swat. The construction of four rest areas was also be made part of the project whereas link highways would be provided where needed. With the completion of D.I. Khan motorway, D.I Khan will emerge as a business hub for northern Punjab, south Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan. Furthermore, the motorway will facilitate the transportation of agricultural commodities to major markets.