Pakistan Approves Major Motorway Upgrades to Boost Religious Tourism
The federal government has approved major motorway upgrades across Pakistan. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan chaired the meeting on Wednesday. Officials announced key decisions to expand several important routes. The upgrades aim to improve connectivity and promote religious tourism.
Key Motorway Expansion Projects
Several major motorways will expand from two lanes to three. Construction on the Lahore-Sialkot motorway expansion will start soon. Authorities will also accelerate work on the Sialkot-Kharian and Islamabad motorways.
A new Sialkot-Rawalpindi motorway project is also approved. The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) will handle this construction. This route will reduce the Lahore-Islamabad distance by 100 km. As a result, travelers will save approximately one hour of driving time.
Boosting Religious Tourism with New Routes
The government is building new motorways to support religious tourism. Secure three-lane motorways will connect Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib. These routes will facilitate Sikh pilgrim access from India. They will also serve the global Sikh diaspora visiting these holy sites.
The minister emphasized the importance of these upgrades. He stated they will reduce congestion on existing roads. They will also meet future travel demands effectively. Furthermore, they will improve connectivity between major cities.
Investment and Amenities for Tourists
The government plans to attract foreign investment through these projects. The minister directed officials to organize international roadshows. These will take place in Europe, Britain, Canada, and the U.S. The goal is to promote investment opportunities in Pakistan’s infrastructure.
In addition to roads, the plan includes tourism amenities. Developers will build three- to five-star hotels along these routes. Shopping malls and other facilities are also part of the vision. These additions aim to strengthen Pakistan’s international image. They will provide comfortable travel experiences for visitors.
“This is a focused effort to link transportation with growth,” the minister said. The upgrades support both commercial development and tourism. They will make key religious and economic sites more accessible. The projects represent a significant step for Pakistan’s infrastructure.
