Construction work on Swat Motorway Phase II has officially started in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking a major step toward improving connectivity and infrastructure in the region.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi during a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar.

According to the chief minister, the project is expected to enhance transportation links, boost economic activity, and promote tourism in Swat Valley and surrounding areas.

Route and Key Infrastructure

Phase II of the Swat Motorway will extend approximately 80 kilometers, connecting the Chakdara Interchange to Fatehpur.

Officials stated that the project will include several major infrastructure components, such as:

• Nine interchanges
• Seven bridges over the Swat River

The motorway expansion aims to reduce travel time, improve regional accessibility, and facilitate smoother transportation for residents, businesses, and tourists visiting northern areas of the province.

Development Plans for Malakand Region

During the meeting, officials also reviewed development initiatives in the Malakand Division and discussed proposals for the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026–27.

Key priorities highlighted in the discussion included:

• Infrastructure development
• Upgrading education and healthcare facilities
• Expansion of communication networks

These initiatives are part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to strengthen economic growth and public services in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Focus on Energy and Education Projects

The chief minister also directed authorities to resolve pending issues related to Provincial Transmission Line Phase II, which aims to ensure the effective utilization of hydropower projects across the province.

In addition, officials were instructed to accelerate work on several major educational institutions, including:

• Shaheed Arshad Sharif University of Investigative and Modern Journalism
• The proposed Livestock University project
• The Engineering University being developed under the DF&C scheme

These projects are expected to strengthen higher education, research, and technical training opportunities in the province.

With the launch of Swat Motorway Phase II and other development initiatives, the provincial government aims to improve infrastructure, boost tourism, and create new economic opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.