MOTORWAYS – M2 ( LAHORE TO ISLAMABAD)
The Motorway Network in Pakistan is advanced road map and international standard road system of highways that connect major cities and economic centers across the country. Motorways also plays vital role to reduce the travelling time for both of cargo and passenger movements within the Country and well connectivity with seaports of Pakistan Pakistan’s motorways are an important part of Pakistan’s C-PEC “CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR -Project”, which aims to link Pakistan’s three Arabian Sea ports (Karachi Port, Port Bin Qasim and Gwadar Port) to the rest of the country through its national highways and motorways network and further north with Afghanistan, Central Asia and China. The project was planned in 1997. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor project aims to link Gwadar Port and Kashgar (China) using Pakistani motorways, national highways, and expressways.
Motorway Network in Pakistan connects major cities and economic centers, including Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, and Peshawar. The network also connects to several important ports, including Karachi Port and Gwadar Port, as well as to neighboring countries such as China and Afghanistan. Additionally, the network provides access to several industrial zones and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across the country, enhancing the connectivity of these economic centers to national and international markets.Motorways Network in Pakistan is a key to road transportation and plays a vital role in distribution and help to manage the international logistics as well,, in the country’s economic development, facilitating trade, commerce, and industry.The network has reduced travel times between major cities, enhancing the mobility of people and goods as well.
The Motorway Network in Pakistan covers a total length of approximately 2,527 kilometers, making it the largest network of highways in the country. There are many routes designed for this project but the main routes which are currently function and operational including the M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, M-7, M-9 M-11, M-14, M-15, M-16 and M-9. Some other routes are under the progress and may be operational shortly in future M-6, M-8, M12, M-13, Motorway style of road are four to six-lane highways, and some sections have been upgraded to eight-lanes. The highways are equipped with modern infrastructure, including bridges, flyovers, and interchanges, to ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce travel times. The highways are also equipped with modern communication and surveillance systems to enhance safety and security
The M-2 was conceived by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his first term (1990–1993). The contract was awarded to Daewoo Group of South Korea on 30 December 1991 at a cost of Rs.23,686 billion on a design-cum-construct basis. The original contract was for a four-lane facility. Daewoo provided a loan of $379 million as supplier’s credit, covering 40% of the construction cost. The loaned amount would eventually grow to $702 million. The other 60% of the cost would be paid by the government The motorway was inaugurated on November 26, 1997, during Sharif’s second tenure] In late 2006, upgrades were made to the portion of the M-2 passing through the Salt Range due to increasing complaints of drivers. The upgrades included better marking of the road lines and increased size of road signs for easy visibility. In 2016, the M-2 motorway was resurfaced for a smooth and safer drive
