The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved a long-awaited project to construct two twin tunnels through the Margalla Hills, a development that will significantly cut travel time between Haripur and Islamabad.
According to officials, the tunnels will reduce the distance from Haripur to Islamabad to just eight kilometres, allowing commuters to complete the journey in only 10 to 15 minutes. Once completed, the tunnels will directly connect the Hazara Motorway (M-15) with Islamabad’s D-12 sector, providing a modern and efficient transport link for the region.
Construction is expected to begin in December 2025 and conclude by December 2028. The project has been added to the K-P Annual Development Programme 2025 and will be executed under a public-private partnership model. The provincial government has allocated Rs. 1 billion for the first year, while the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will also extend cooperation.
A feasibility study has already been completed, and the tunnels will be illuminated and built according to international standards.
Sources in the Hazara Development Authority said the project had been delayed for nearly two decades due to funding shortages and changes in government priorities. They emphasized that the provincial government is committed to seeing it through this time, even if federal participation remains limited.
Officials believe that the tunnels will enhance regional connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and bring economic benefits to the residents of Hazara and Islamabad.
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Excellent decision.
Environmental hazard just over faultine, should be avoided in any case
Interests vested by General Ayub Khan descendents
In that case Switzerland should not be connected to rest of Europe through dozens of tunnels.
Agreed. We should use helicopters instead
Senseless project. CDA will not allow heavy vehicles to enter Islamabad as it does not allow them on Srinagar Highway. No point in building such an expensive project for just LTV. This can be feasible if KP Gov’t develop a housing development on massive scale on the other side of the Margalla.
Can they make sure that the Greenery, the Forest and the wildlife remains healthy and intact First….????
Yes they will make sure that all wid life is either caged or dead.
A feasible project
Feasible but not convenient because of rampant corruption of Youthias.
Must be avoided at all costs due to earthquakes and damage to environment.
Islamabad is already taken over by people of kpk due to lack of good shopping Malls hospitals entertainment centers with this tunnel locals wont get space in the capital secondly GHQ is in E/11 it will be security hazard as TTP significance in kpk is obvious
Such projects should be abloished asap Huripur is easily accessible via motorway GT road and Margalla hills via jabri
Good plan. Tunnels help avoid destruction of eco systems which happen during road constructions over the hills
An environmental threat, national park loss, habitat loss, for just economic benefits, insensitive approach.