Dir Motorway to revolutionize trade, agriculture and tourism

ISLAMABAD, Aug.18(Gwadar Pro) - Dir Motorway, an alternate route for China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), will revolutionize trade, agriculture, and tourism in the area. The Motorway will ultimately connect Chitral and Gilgit, increasing trade activities between Pakistan and China.

According to experts, the project will improve agriculture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KP), especially the fruit industry. Once ready, it would enable the laying of pipelines and railways.

The gas pipeline from Central Asia is proposed to be built along this route, as it is close to Wakhan Corridor and the pipeline can pass through this corridor. The Fiber Optic Cable, the alternate path for international connectivity is also proposed along the route which can benefit Pakistan in the future.

The fiber will ensure continuous uninterrupted connectivity between the Northern and Southern borders of the country by establishing multiple rings for a secure and uninterrupted communication network.

At present, there is no proper road infrastructure in the mountainous district of Upper Dir which is a place of beautiful valleys. Experts are of the view that the construction of Dir Motorway will save both time and resources in terms of transportation.

The Rs 38 billion Dir Motorway project includes the construction of bridges, underpasses, flyovers, and tunnels.

The 30km long expressway from Chakdara to Rabat will reduce the distance by 27km. The four-lane expressway will have two tunnels of 625 meters and 6,230 meters and three interchanges.

In a recent statement, KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said that the purchase of requisite land and implementation of the project will be ensured well in time, adding that strict implementation of existing rules and regulations should be made in the project being executed under a public-private partnership.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has already approved the acquisition of land for Dir Motorway for 13 months at a total cost of Rs 3227.74 million. The project is a two-year plan and is expected to finish in 2025.