The opening of Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) for traffic is yet another landmark achievement and manifestation of professionalism and skill of NHA's management, planners, engineers and workers. This historic occasion is a matter or pride for us all and keeping in view the long term socio-economic benefit of M-1 for the people of Pakistan, the whole nation deserves to be greeted.
M-1 is a 154 Km long 6-lane access controlled motorway with 100 meters Right-of-Way and 120 Km per hour design speed. It comprises 3 major river bridges over Indus, Haro & Kabul besides 29 minor bridges, 3 railway bridges at Fatehjang, Burhan & Rashakai, 22 flyovers, 132 underpasses/cattle creeps, 557 culverts, 3 main & 2 mini service areas besides 10 interchanges.
M-1 has opened new vistas for socio-economic uplift and will be a harbinger of national integration / cohesion. It reduces the travel time from Islamabad to Peshawar to half, i.e., just 90 minutes that too in a safe and comfortable environment. It also brings the valleys of Chitral, Swat and other destinations of NWFP closer to Islamabad. On completion of Peshawar Northern Bypass and Peshawar-Torkham Expressway, the travel time from Islamabad to Torkham would be just 150 minutes. Substantial savings with regard to vehicle operating cost will be an added advantage.
The national highways & motorways comprise only 4% of Pakistan's road network but take more than 80% commercial traffic. Pakistan's socio-economic dependence on this network can be assessed from the fact that contrary to only 10% in 1947, reliance on roads is now more than 90%. This places an enormous responsibility on NHA and we are committed to meet the challenge.
NHA, evolved from Indus Highway Board (1974), reorganised into National Highway Board (1978), was finally transformed into an authority in 1991. Over the year, NHA's role has grown rapidly from road builder to highway manager. Despite the exponential growth in traffic, maintaining the existing network in a safe condition remains NHA's top priority. NHA, during 2007-14, would introduce a network of 4-lane access controlled (fenced) expressways on the North-South Corridor. These expressways will not only boost the national economy and help generate employment opportunities but will also improve the quality of life in Pakistan.
I thank Allah Almighty for enabling NHA management, planners, engineers & workers to accomplish this gigantic task and deliver yet another mega project to the nation, using state-of-the-art technology by Pakistani experts and contractors. I acknowledge the contributions made by the contractors, consultants and all the officers and staff of NHA who have remained associated with M-1 project.
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