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The Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M2), Pakistan’s first motorway, is a crucial link for transportation. However, the Salt Range section has become a notorious bottleneck. This 10-kilometer road stretch with a steep 7% downward slope is known for slow speeds, frequent accidents, and posing challenges for large cargo vehicles.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) is stepping up to address these issues. Recognizing the dangers and limitations of the current route, they’re planning a significant realignment project to improve safety and traffic flow.

A History of Challenges

Since its opening in 1997, the Salt Range section has been a concern. Traffic police report over 350 accidents and more than 200 lives lost in this area alone. The steep slopes and sharp curves make it difficult to navigate, especially for heavy vehicles struggling uphill. One particularly tragic incident involved a school bus with failing brakes, highlighting the urgency for improvement.

 A Safer & Faster Route

The NHA is exploring ways to realign the motorway in the Salt Range. This could involve constructing new lanes with gentler slopes or even tunnels to bypass the most challenging sections. Imagine a smooth tunnel passage instead of those treacherous curves!

A realigned motorway would bring significant advantages. Safety would be the top priority, with a significant reduction in accidents. Increased speed limits would translate to shorter travel times between Islamabad and Lahore, benefiting commuters, businesses, and tourism.

Additionally, the NHA aims to expand the entire M2 stretch to a six-lane capacity, further improving traffic flow for the anticipated growth in vehicle volume.

The Action Plan

The NHA is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine the most effective realignment strategy. This involves seeking expert advice from consulting firms and likely collaborating with construction companies to build the new route. While a similar project was considered in 2006, it wasn’t implemented. This time around, with the NHA’s renewed focus, there’s hope for real progress.

What’s your thoughts regarding the upcoming crucial project? Drop your thoughts in the comments section.