Islamabad and Haripur are about to feel much closer than ever before. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved a landmark project that will build twin tunnels through the Margalla Hills. Once completed, the drive between Haripur and Islamabad will shrink to only eight kilometres. As a result, travel time will drop to about ten to fifteen minutes, a huge change for daily commuters.
Project Timeline and Funding
Work on the tunnels is expected to begin in December 2025 and finish by December 2028. The project will follow a public-private partnership model. In its first year, the provincial government has set aside one billion rupees to start the work. The Capital Development Authority will also provide support.
According to officials, a detailed feasibility study has been completed. The tunnels will follow international standards, with modern lighting and safety features. Plans for this project had been on the table for nearly twenty years but kept facing delays due to funding issues. This time, however, the government is determined to deliver results.
Benefits for Travelers and Economy
The new tunnels will link the Hazara Motorway (M-15) directly to Islamabad’s D-12 sector. That means smoother access between Hazara and the capital city. Travelers will no longer need to rely on winding mountain roads or deal with heavy congestion.
Shorter trips will save time, fuel, and vehicle maintenance costs. For many families, it will also mean more time together and less stress on the road. Businesses are expected to benefit too, thanks to faster transport of goods and easier access to Islamabad’s markets.
People in both Islamabad and Haripur are welcoming the move. The project promises not just an engineering achievement, but also a better quality of life for thousands of commuters.
