To improve the safety and traffic flow, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has finalized a plan to construct a tunnel at the M-2 Salt Range. To initiate the project, four firms participated in the feasibility study phase, with the process now moving into the technical evaluation stage. Earlier, reports revealed that this realignment could involve constructing new lanes with gentler slopes or even tunnels to bypass the most challenging sections.
The selected consultant will present a comprehensive feasibility study and design, with the contract awarded to the firm offering the lowest bid. The idea of a tunnel was first suggested by stakeholders concerned about safety and later endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Steering Committee.
By addressing the hazardous road conditions, this project aims to transform the Salt Range from a perilous route to a safer and more reliable passage, ensuring a better experience for travelers.
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 Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2) has long been a vital lifeline for Pakistan, connecting two major cities and facilitating trade, tourism, and daily commutes. However, one stretch of this otherwise efficient route has earned notoriety for its dangers: the 10-kilometer section in the Salt Range near Kallar Kahar. Known for its steep inclines and sharp curves, this portion of the motorway has been the site of numerous accidents, many of them fatal.
Since its inauguration in 1997, the Salt Range section has raised concerns for safety. Traffic police reports highlight the grim statistics: over 350 accidents and more than 200 lives lost in this area alone. Despite its scenic beauty, the perilous conditions have overshadowed its appeal. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the incumbent government is taking significant steps to realign this hazardous stretch of the motorway.
The Plan to Enhance Safety
The National Highway Authority (NHA) has finalized a comprehensive plan to improve safety and traffic flow along the Salt Range section of the M-2. The centerpiece of this initiative is the construction of a 10-kilometer tunnel, designed to bypass the steep inclines and sharp curves that make the current route so treacherous.
To lay the groundwork for this ambitious project, four firms participated in the feasibility study phase, which has now progressed to the technical evaluation stage. Reports suggest that the realignment may also involve constructing additional lanes with gentler slopes alongside the tunnel, further enhancing safety and convenience for travelers.
The feasibility study and design will be prepared by the selected consultant, with the contract awarded to the firm offering the most competitive bid. This tunnel proposal, initially suggested by safety stakeholders, has since gained robust support, including endorsement from the Prime Minister’s Steering Committee.
Transforming the Salt Range Experience
The realignment of the motorway through the Salt Range is expected to deliver several transformative benefits:
Improved Safety: The primary goal is to significantly reduce accidents by eliminating steep inclines and sharp curves. By addressing the root causes of these hazards, the project aims to save lives and restore confidence among travelers.
Reduced Travel Time: The redesigned route will allow for higher speed limits, shortening the travel time between Islamabad and Lahore. This will benefit commuters, businesses, and tourists alike.
Enhanced Traffic Flow: Plans to expand the M-2 to a six-lane capacity will accommodate the growing volume of vehicles, ensuring smoother and more efficient travel for all.
A Positive Step Forward
This project represents a proactive response to longstanding safety concerns on the M-2. By prioritizing the well-being of travelers and improving infrastructure, the NHA is not only addressing immediate issues but also paving the way for future growth and development. A safer and more efficient motorway will undoubtedly bolster economic activity, foster tourism, and enhance the overall travel experience in Pakistan.
Your Thoughts
What do you think about the NHA’s plan to curb accidents in the Salt Range? Will this initiative make a meaningful difference for travelers on the M-2? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.
