Swat Motorway enhances connectivity with its Phase II expansion under CPEC as it eases travel during holiday season.
Every Eid season, the Swat Motorway, or M-16, is an essential transport route, significantly easing travel for holidaymakers heading to the top destinations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Following the completion of Phase II under CPEC, the number of visitors is projected to increase significantly. The new expressway has become an essential route, allowing thousands of tourists to easily visit the picturesque valleys and resorts in the region during Eid holidays, as reported.
Nasir Mehmood Sati, DIG of Malakand, mentioned that more than 700,000 visitors came to Swat and the Malakand division during Eid this week, creating a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere at prominent tourist spots.
Tourists from cities like Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Lahore visited Swat’s popular destinations, including Malam Jabba, Madyan, Bahrain, Kalam, Gabin Jabba, and Marghuzar, relishing the stunning landscapes and cool weather.
The 160-kilometer motorway has revolutionized travel over the years, offering advanced infrastructure that ensures easy access to Swat Valley’s main attractions. It has eased traffic on traditional mountain routes, making journeys safer and more comfortable for families while increasing mobility for both domestic and foreign visitors.
The Kareem family from Lahore mentioned that they departed after Fajr prayers and arrived in Madyan by 9 AM, enjoying a proper breakfast along the way. Hotel owner Nazir Ahmed pointed out that guests are now arriving relaxed for the first time, with many extending their stays because the journey has become much easier.
During peak Eid travel periods, the motorway consistently demonstrates its worth by efficiently managing high traffic volumes. Its role as the preferred entry point to northern Pakistan’s most popular holiday destinations is increasing every year.
Besides enhancing access to Swat’s tourist sites, the motorway also boosts logistics for agricultural and horticultural exports. Local businesses, especially hotel owners, anticipate that Phase II of the motorway will extend from Chakdara to Fatehpur, providing direct routes to important locations such as Mingora, Malam Jabba, and the breathtaking Kalam and Mahodand valleys.
The expansion will also enhance connections to Upper Dir and Kumrat Valley through connecting highways. While road conditions beyond Bahrain are still difficult due to flood damage from 2022, the completion of Phase II will bring major improvements.
Phase II’s completion will reduce travel time, encourage more tourists, and boost the local economy. The motorway, initially designed as a four-lane route with potential for six lanes, will include nine interchanges and eight bridges to ensure easy access to Swat’s key attractions.
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