New Highway to Serve as Faster Alternative to Karakoram Route
The Pakistani government has approved the construction of the N-15 highway, a strategic new route that will link Mansehra to the Chinese border. Announced during a National Highway Authority (NHA) meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, the project aims to provide a quicker and safer alternative to the existing Karakoram Highway (KKH).
Route Details and Key Benefits
The N-15 highway will traverse Mansehra, Naran, Jalkhad, and Chilas, significantly cutting travel time and ensuring all-weather accessibility. Officials emphasized that the road will bolster trade, tourism, and defense logistics, with speed limits set between 60 to 80 km/h. The four-lane design is structured to meet future traffic demands while enhancing connectivity between Pakistan and China under broader infrastructure initiatives.
Tourism and Economic Development Plans
Alongside transportation improvements, the project includes plans to develop resorts, hotels, lakes, and shopping areas along the highway under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This approach seeks to stimulate local economies and attract domestic and international tourists, leveraging the scenic beauty of northern Pakistan.
Strategic Importance for CPEC and Regional Connectivity
The N-15 highway is expected to complement the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), reinforcing Pakistan’s role in regional trade networks. By improving road infrastructure, the project aligns with long-term goals of economic integration and logistical efficiency between the two nations.
