The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved the construction of the 29-kilometre Dir Motorway, a Rs. 69 billion infrastructure project aimed at improving regional connectivity, reducing travel time, and boosting tourism across the Malakand Division.
The project received approval during a meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
According to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the motorway will extend from Chakdara Interchange to Baroon in Lower Dir district and will be developed under the province’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The chief minister directed the relevant departments to begin land acquisition immediately and prepare a detailed implementation timeline to ensure the project is completed without unnecessary delays.
He also instructed authorities to propose amendments to the existing PPP framework to accelerate the execution of major development projects.
The provincial government said the new motorway will significantly improve transportation in the region by reducing travel time, fuel consumption, and logistics costs.
Officials also expect the project to strengthen tourism in the Malakand Division by providing easier access to scenic destinations in Lower Dir and nearby northern areas. Improved road infrastructure is expected to attract more domestic and international tourists while creating employment opportunities and supporting local businesses, hotels, and transport services.
During the meeting, the PPP Committee also reviewed progress on the Peshawar–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway and Swat Motorway Phase-II, emphasizing the importance of completing both projects within the scheduled timelines.
