ISLAMABAD: The federal government has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to accelerate the expansion of the Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad section of the M-4 Motorway from four lanes to six lanes, setting December 15 as the completion deadline.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan issued the instructions while reviewing ongoing development projects in the NHA Central Region.
M-4 Expansion to Be Completed by December
During the meeting, officials briefed the minister on progress across several motorway and national highway schemes.
Aleem Khan instructed the NHA to increase the pace of work on the M-4 expansion and meet the newly specified completion target. The project involves widening the Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad stretch to six lanes to accommodate growing traffic and improve movement along the motorway corridor.
The minister also directed officials to maintain the required construction standards while accelerating implementation.
Progress on Other Highway Projects Reviewed
The meeting also covered work on the Lodhran-Multan Expressway, with the minister directing officials to expedite activities associated with the project.
Preliminary work on the proposed Lala Musa Bypass along the N-5 National Highway was also reviewed, with instructions issued to move the project forward.
Officials further briefed the meeting about rehabilitation work planned for the Baba Farid Bridge over the River Sutlej. The minister was informed that work on the bridge would begin soon.
South Punjab Connectivity Projects
Plans to improve highway connections around the Layyah and Taunsa bridges were also discussed.
These projects are intended to strengthen links between major routes in South Punjab and improve connectivity for road users and local communities.
The minister also directed the NHA to ensure quality standards in the construction of the Phool Nagar Interchange on the N-5.
Focus on Modern Highway Facilities
Beyond individual projects, the meeting emphasized the need to incorporate modern infrastructure standards into new highway schemes.
The communications ministry directed officials to consider better road lighting, improved infrastructure and properly developed rest areas as part of future highway development.
The Islamabad-Murree Expressway was cited as a reference for planning and developing modern road facilities.
Potential Impact of M-4 Expansion
The widening of the Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad section could improve traffic capacity and connectivity along an important motorway route once completed.
For businesses, commuters and property markets located around the corridor, the project’s eventual completion could influence travel times, logistics and accessibility. However, the practical impact will depend on whether the December 15 target is achieved and the expanded section becomes fully operational.
