NHA Approves 172‑Kilometre Mansehra–Chilas Motorway with 13.5km Babusar Tunnel

Overview

• The National Highway Authority has approved the Mansehra–Naran–Jhal Khand–Chilas motorway (MNJC), a 172‑kilometre route presented as an alternative to the Karakoram Highway.
• Officials plan to build the road in two phases: Mansehra to Babusar Top via Kaghan and Naran, then Babusar Top to Chilas.
• A 13.5‑kilometre Babusar Tunnel is included in the plan and is described by authorities as set to become Pakistan's longest road tunnel.
• The motorway will open as a four‑lane road with room to expand to six lanes and will include rest areas every 25–30 kilometres plus specialised trucking terminals.
• The project is now moving from approval to technical finalisation after ministerial directives, with authorities expected to complete designs before procurement and construction start; the route is pitched as a way to shorten transit times, lower freight costs and boost trade and tourism in the northern corridor.