KP Allocates Just Rs. 1,000 for Rs. 63 Billion Motorway Project

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has allocated only Rs. 1,000 for the proposed Dir-Chitral Motorway in its 2026-27 budget, despite the project’s estimated cost standing at Rs. 63 billion.

The token allocation has raised questions about the government’s seriousness toward the long-awaited road project, which has been presented as an important scheme for improving connectivity in northern parts of the province.

The motorway is expected to strengthen access between Dir and Chitral while also supporting trade, tourism, and wider regional movement. However, the amount set aside in the new budget has cast doubt over how soon any meaningful work can begin.

Critics say the allocation does not match the scale of the project and reflects a lack of practical commitment to its execution. With a total projected cost of Rs. 63 billion, the current budgetary provision is being seen as symbolic rather than developmental.

Some observers, however, note that governments sometimes place nominal allocations in budget documents to keep projects alive at the planning stage before larger releases are made later. Even so, no clear timeline or funding roadmap has been shared for the motorway so far.

The absence of a detailed explanation from officials has added to the uncertainty surrounding the project. As a result, the budget move has triggered broader debate over development priorities and whether major transport schemes in the province are receiving the attention they require.

For now, the Dir-Chitral Motorway remains on the books as a key infrastructure proposal, but its future pace and completion timeline remain far from clear.