The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has given in-principle approval for the construction of the 29-kilometre Dir Motorway and directed authorities to begin the land acquisition process without delay.
The decision was made during a meeting of the KP Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar.
The proposed motorway will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and will connect the Chakdara Interchange to Baroon in Lower Dir district. The project is estimated to cost PKR 69 billion.
The chief minister instructed the relevant departments to immediately initiate land acquisition, finalize implementation timelines, and ensure the motorway is completed within the scheduled timeframe.
He also directed officials to prepare proposals for amendments to the existing PPP framework to simplify procedures, shorten project execution timelines, and improve the delivery of future infrastructure projects.
According to the provincial government, the Dir Motorway is expected to significantly improve road connectivity across Malakand Division, reduce travel time, and facilitate the smooth movement of passengers and goods.
Officials added that the project will also strengthen the region’s tourism sector by improving access to popular tourist destinations, while creating employment opportunities, boosting commercial activity, and supporting the socio-economic development of Lower Dir and surrounding areas.
