PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved 17 road projects covering 91.5 kilometres to improve access to key tourist destinations across the province.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Tourism Malik Adeel Iqbal said Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi approved the projects as part of the government’s plan to promote tourism as a key driver of economic growth and local development.
With an estimated investment of around Rs5 billion, the projects will involve the construction and rehabilitation of roads in major tourist areas of Upper Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir and Lower Dir.
The upgraded road network is expected to make it easier for domestic and international tourists to reach scenic valleys and other popular destinations while improving overall travel connectivity across the province.
The Tourism Department said better road access could also benefit local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other tourism-related services, by encouraging greater tourist activity.
Officials expect the projects to generate new employment and investment opportunities while supporting the socio-economic development of communities located in and around tourist destinations.
The government said the road projects form part of its broader strategy to strengthen the tourism sector, improve infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
